North Korea Test-Fires Missiles from Newly Launched 5,000-Tonne Warship

North Korea test-fired missiles from one of its newly unveiled 5,000-tonne warships last week, indicating a new military provocation. The warship, a member of the new “Choe Hyon-class,” fired cruise and anti-air missiles in a trial of its weapons system that was overseen by Kim Jong Un and senior officials. Artillery rounds were also fired as part of the test, which was demonstrated by the regime as an upgrade in naval firepower.

Nevertheless, intelligence agencies and satellite photos cast doubt on whether the ship is even sea-capable. Regardless of this, Kim Jong Un announced that the navy has to speed up nuclear weaponization to protect national sovereignty and sea territory.

New Warship, Old Strategy

North Korea unveiled the new destroyer on Saturday as being outfitted with “the most powerful weapons.” But satellite images analyzed by 38 North indicate tugboats towing the ship back into a drydock. This most likely indicates a failed propulsion system. Briefly, North Korea showcased missile tests but perhaps from an as-yet-not-operational warship.

Kim Jong Un’s next-gen warship fires off supersonic cruise missiles in FIRST-ever weapons test

5,000-ton destroyer armed with ‘the most POWERFUL weapons’ pic.twitter.com/oC7y0vcIth

— RT (@RT_com) April 29, 2025

Kim’s Nuclear Messaging from the Sea

During the unveiling ceremony, Kim Jong Un emphasized nuclearization at sea. His words connect naval supremacy to national defence. This fits North Korea’s long-term tactic—employ military demonstrations to unite citizens at home and rile foreign attention. Kim Jong Un also declared the ship would enter service formally early next year, indicating this test was symbolic rather than tactical.

Spy Agencies Keep Watch

South Korea’s defence ministry affirmed that intelligence officials are tracking the shipbuilding operation. The US and South Korea both remain vigilant to Pyongyang’s ambition at sea. The move comes as tensions persist over broken denuclearisation talks and missile tests close to the Korean Peninsula.

North Korea’s focus has traditionally been on land-based missile systems. But this event signals a shift. Pyongyang may now use naval assets to extend its deterrence strategy and expand the narrative of “encircled sovereignty.” This is less about immediate war-readiness and more about psychological warfare—showing strength despite internal limitations.

Propaganda Win, Not a Naval Revolution

Regardless of propulsion problems, North Korea achieved a propaganda victory. Unveiling and testing the warship fit into Kim’s larger playbook—dictate the narrative, ratchet up tensions, and display progress. The Choe Hyon-class warship, aptly named after an anti-Japanese revolutionary, is a symbolic reminder of perseverance. However, its actual readiness is questionable.

As 2025 gets underway, onlookers will be observing if the ship gets actual authority—or is merely another piece of Pyongyang’s expanding stage of strategic theatrics.