Launching of North Korea’s Second Choe Hyon-Class Destroyer

• A June 12, 2025 CSIS/Beyond Parallel/Maxar satellite image shows the launching of the Kang Kon, the second Choe Hyon-class guided missile destroyer (DDGHM). The destroyer was towed to Najin on June 7, 2025, after the widely-viewed and embarrassing failed launch at a different shipyard last month. This remains the largest warship (5000-ton) ever produced by North Korea and joins a growing first class of destroyers in the Korean People's Navy.
• The imagery shows the caissons of the graving dock tied up to shore, leaving the dock flooded and open for the Kang Kon to move out. The vessel's gun turret had been bounded, but the VLS hatches are covered, making it unclear whether these systems have been completely installed.
• The successful launch of the vessel, just three weeks after the failure last month, is likely an indication that the damage suffered to the vessel was relatively minor in nature.
• DPRK leader Kim Jong-un has called for deploying two additional Choe Hyon-class destroyers every year. It will require considerable time to complete fitting out, manufacturer's trials, and navy acceptance trials before these vessels can be committed to operations. Nevertheless, they reflect DPRK ambitions to build a nascent but growing blue-water capability that could have the potential to expand North Korea's missile threat significantly and further complicate U.S. and allied missile defense in the region.

A satellite image collected by Maxar on June 12, 2025, shows the imminent launch of the second Choe Hyon-class guided missile destroyer (DDGHM), named the Kang Kon, at the No. 28 Shipyard in Najin (sometimes identified as the Rajin Dockyard or Rajin Ship Repair Factory).¹ North Korean state media reporting the next day confirmed that a launch ceremony took place on June 12 with Kim Jong-un and Kim Joo-ae in attendance.²

The destroyer was towed here for inspection and repair on June 7, 2025. The imminent launch of the vessel is a clear indication of Kim Jong-un's desire to erase the embarrassment of its failed launch on May 21, 2025, from the Hambuk Shipyard in Chongjin and likely an indication that the damage suffered during that launch was relatively minor in nature.

The June 12, 2025, image shows the second Choe Hyon destroyer Kang Kon floating within the flooded graving dock at the No. 28 Shipyard. The dock's caissons are floated and tied up to shore, leaving the dock open to the sea and available for the destroyer to move out. The vessel's 127mm gun turret has been mounted, but the VLS (vertical launching system) hatches are covered, making it unclear whether these systems have been completely installed.

As seen in the June 12, 2025, satellite image, visible on shore is a VIP pavilion and large crowds of onlookers with a ceremonial balloon floating over them. North Korean media reported that the launching ceremony was attended by "officials of the Party and government, military officers, workers in the munitions industry, scientists, technicians, laborers, officers and sailors of the Korean People's Navy, the commander and sailors of the vessel," among others.³," Rodong Sinmun, June 13, 2025.]

During the launch ceremony, Kim Jong-un addressed the earlier failed launch at Chongjin, stating that "while it is unacceptable that such a challenge arose…from sheer irresponsibility and negligence," equating it to "a grave and inexcusable criminal act." However, he emphasized that "within just over two weeks of the incident, the destroyer was stabilized and refloated…through this recovery effort, we were also able to confirm the structural stability and technical excellence of the destroyer's design."⁴

While the salvaging and relaunching timeline has been impressive, the vessel has yet to undergo critical phases before it can be deemed operational. It will require considerable time to complete fitting out, manufacturer's trials, and navy acceptance trials before being committed to operations. This is true for the first Choe Hyon-class destroyer launched at Nampo in April, despite its propaganda staged demonstration of weapons fire shortly after it was launched. Kim Jong-un's speech at the launch ceremony confirmed that "the vessel will now undergo the necessary sequential processes, including the integration of its weapons systems, performance and operational capability evaluations, and integrated operational testing, before being delivered to the Navy in the middle of next year."⁵

Kim's speech also highlighted the fact that the country was able to construct its largest-class warship yet on both its east and west coasts. He stated that this demonstrates "a powerful dual foundation [that] now exists to support the rapid advancement" of the country's shipbuilding capabilities.⁶

Kim Jong-un has also called for deploying two additional Choe Hyon-class destroyers every year. Even after successful construction, it will require considerable time before these vessels can be committed to operations. Nevertheless, they reflect ambitions to build a nascent but growing blue-water capability that could have the potential to expand North Korea's missile threat significantly and further complicate U.S. and allied missile defense in the region.

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