Kim Jong-un Showcases Power: North Korea’s New Nuclear Warship Shakes Asia

North Korea has once again shaken the international community with the launch of its newest destroyer, Choe Hyon, equipped with nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. During a ceremony held at Nampho Shipyard, Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un, alongside his daughter Kim Ju Ae, unveiled the 5,000-ton vessel, sending a strong signal amid rising tensions with the United States and South Korea (Reuters).

Specifications of the Choe Hyon Warship

This vessel is not merely a symbol of strength but also showcases a significant boost in North Korea’s military arsenal. Armed with a main gun of 127mm caliber, Pantsir-ME air defense systems, and 74 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, Choe Hyon is designed to carry nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. It also features phased array radar and advanced sonar systems for underwater threat detection (Wikipedia).

However, limitations in cutting-edge technology, international isolation, and the lack of a modern military communication network could restrict the destroyer’s long-term operational effectiveness.

The Real Threat Behind This Warship

The launch of Choe Hyon introduces a new strategic threat. With the ability to deliver nuclear strikes from the sea, North Korea expands its pre-emptive strike options, significantly escalating regional tensions. Although the vessel faces issues regarding satellite support and crew training standards, its symbolic value in bolstering North Korea’s deterrence strategy against the US and South Korea remains undeniable.

These technological gaps also heighten the risk of miscalculations during maritime operations, particularly in contested waters like the Sea of Japan and the Yellow Sea.

Major Drawbacks of North Korea’s Destroyer

Despite its intimidating appearance, Choe Hyon suffers from several critical weaknesses:

• Weapon systems with questionable high-precision accuracy.
• Limited capacity for extended blue-water missions.
• Vulnerability to jamming and precision airstrikes due to lack of satellite support.
• Long-term maintenance challenges due to international sanctions.

Additionally, North Korea has yet to demonstrate the ability to manage large-scale naval operations effectively beyond its coastal waters—unlike established naval powers such as Japan or the United States.

The launch of the Choe Hyon nuclear warship underscores North Korea’s serious commitment to enhancing its military capabilities across all domains, including open-sea operations. Despite notable technological and operational weaknesses, this move confirms that Pyongyang’s military ambitions can no longer be underestimated.