North Korea has built two Choe Hyon-class guided missile destroyers (DDGHM), the largest battleship developed by the regime in 2025. 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.
North Korea’s Choe Hyon-class Destroyers
FEATURED
Launching of North Korea’s Second Choe Hyon-Class Destroyer
North Korea launched its second Choe Hyon-class destroyer, named the Kang Kon, at Najin. This is the second of its largest warship class ever produced by North Korea.Raised Destroyer Arrives at Najin
Second Choe Hyon Destroyer at Chongjin Raised
What Happened to North Korea’s Warship?
Salvage Operations Continue at Chongjin
Failed Launch and Damage of the Second Guided Missile Destroyer
Another Guided Missile Destroyer Under Construction on the East Coast
North Korea Launches the Choe Hyon Guided Missile Destroyer
Nampo Guided Missile Frigate Unwrapped
New Guided Missile Frigate Fitting Out at Nampo
