North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has inspected a new-generation destroyer, overseen a strategic cruise missile launch from the vessel, and supervised a nationwide sniper competition, actions that signal an accelerating push by Pyongyang to expand its naval and military capabilities.
According to state media reports, Kim visited the Nampho Shipyard on March 3 and 4 to review the operational readiness of the newly built Choe Hyon-class destroyer. During the visit, he observed the crew’s combat and political training as well as a shakedown cruise designed to evaluate the warship’s maneuverability and operational systems. Accompanied by senior party and military officials, Kim boarded the vessel and examined how sailors operated the ship and handled its weapons systems.
The destroyer carried out a sea trial under Kim’s supervision, during which its maneuverability and command systems were tested. Kim reportedly praised the vessel’s performance and the crew’s preparedness, stating that the warship met operational requirements and demonstrated the effectiveness of its design. He also said that tests of the ship’s systems were proceeding smoothly ahead of its planned commissioning.
During the inspection, Kim outlined an ambitious plan to expand North Korea’s naval power, declaring that the country intends to build at least two warships of the same class or higher each year during the current five-year national defense development plan. He emphasized the role of the domestic defense industry and research community in achieving this goal and highlighted what he described as significant progress in strengthening both above-water and underwater attack capabilities of the navy.
Kim also claimed that the effort to arm the navy with nuclear weapons was advancing steadily, suggesting a broader strategy to enhance maritime deterrence and expand the offensive reach of North Korea’s armed forces. He described the modernization program as a “radical change” in defending the country’s maritime sovereignty and pledged to build what he called the strongest possible navy capable of real combat operations.
On March 4, Kim supervised a test launch of a sea-to-surface strategic cruise missile from the destroyer. The missile test, described as a key element in assessing the warship’s operational capability, was reported to have been successfully carried out. Kim expressed satisfaction with the crew’s readiness for strategic attack missions and said the demonstration of military power served both as a defense of national sovereignty and a form of deterrence.
During the visit, Kim also inspected a third Choe Hyon-class destroyer currently under construction at the shipyard. He praised workers and technicians for their efforts and urged them to accelerate production in line with the ruling Workers’ Party’s vision of transforming the country into a major maritime power.
Separately, Kim oversaw a large-scale sniper shooting contest on March 3 at Pyongyang Training Base No. 60, held to mark the Korean People’s Army’s Sniper’s Day. The competition brought together elite snipers from special operations units and major army formations across the military.
The special operations brigade of the Air Force took first place in the contest, followed by the 4th Corps and the 1st Corps. Demonstrations by sniper units and special operations forces were also conducted, showcasing their marksmanship and combat capabilities.
Kim stressed the growing importance of snipers on modern battlefields and called for intensified training and frequent competitions to improve their effectiveness. He emphasized that snipers should be capable of delivering precise and decisive strikes against enemy forces under any conditions, day or night, in line with the military modernization goals set by the ruling party.
