North Korea Launches New 5,000-Ton Warship as Kim Jong-un Showcases Military Might with Daughter

Pyongyang – In a bold display of military power and political symbolism, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, accompanied by his daughter, presided over the launch of a new 5,000-ton destroyer named Choe Hyon, according to state media. The ship, described by North Korea as equipped with “the most powerful weapons,” represents a significant step in the regime’s ongoing expansion and modernization of its naval forces.

The event, broadcast across North Korean state channels and reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), emphasized both the technological capabilities of the warship and the symbolic presence of Kim’s daughter, who has increasingly appeared at high-profile military events, fueling speculation about her future role in the regime.

According to KCNA, the Choe Hyon is armed with advanced weapons systems capable of carrying out various types of strikes, including ship-to-surface, ship-to-air, and potentially even short-range tactical nuclear missile launches. While Pyongyang did not release technical specifications, military analysts and satellite imagery reviewed by open-source intelligence groups suggest the ship features multiple vertical launch systems and radar arrays consistent with advanced strike capabilities.

“This is a major escalation in terms of naval capability,” said Dr. Markus Garand, a naval expert with the International Institute for Strategic Studies. “A 5,000-ton destroyer equipped with tactical nuclear missile potential would represent a serious threat to regional security, especially if deployed with a fleet.”

The vessel’s name, Choe Hyon, pays homage to a high-ranking North Korean general and long-time revolutionary figure, reinforcing the regime’s pattern of honoring historical figures within its military infrastructure. The naming is also seen as a signal of Pyongyang's intent to blend past military legacy with current strategic ambitions.

Kim Jong-un’s speech at the launch ceremony framed the destroyer as a symbol of “national pride and deterrent strength.” He also reiterated North Korea’s commitment to self-defense and “peace through strength,” a familiar theme in his rhetoric amid ongoing tensions with South Korea, the United States, and Japan.

Notably, Kim’s daughter—believed to be named Kim Ju-ae—stood beside him throughout the ceremony. Her growing visibility in military events has raised international curiosity, with some observers suggesting she may be positioned as a future successor or symbolic figure of the regime’s continuity. Her presence at the launch of a major warship further cements her emerging public role.

The destroyer’s unveiling comes at a time of heightened concern over North Korea’s weapons development. In recent months, Pyongyang has tested various ballistic and cruise missiles, conducted military drills simulating nuclear strikes, and accused the United States and South Korea of hostile intent. The launch of the Choe Hyon underscores North Korea’s efforts to develop a blue-water navy capable of projecting power beyond its immediate coastal waters.

South Korea and the United States have yet to formally respond to the news, though intelligence agencies are likely assessing the ship’s capabilities and deployment timeline. Japan, which has expressed increasing concern over North Korea’s expanding arsenal, is also expected to monitor the situation closely.

The Choe Hyon launch marks a significant development in North Korea’s military posture. As the Kim regime continues to integrate advanced weapons into its forces and showcase new assets alongside dynastic symbolism, regional stability in East Asia faces fresh uncertainties.