North Korean destroyer carries out repeat ripple launch of strategic cruise missiles

North Korean destroyer Choe Hyon carrying out a ripple launch of strategic cruise missiles on 4 March 2026. (KCNA via KNS/AFP via Getty Images)

North Korean destroyer Choe Hyon has carried out a repeat demonstration of its ability to carry out a ripple launch of cruise missiles.

The latest demonstration, which was announced by state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 11 March, came within a week of a similar show of firepower by Choe Hyon.

As such, this appears to be a signal from Pyongyang that the destroyer and its loadout of cruise missiles are close to attaining operational readiness.

According to details provided in the KCNA report, Choe Hyon carried out the latest firing on 10 March, and the projectiles flew for between 10,116 and 10,138 seconds before striking designated targets in the Yellow Sea (West Sea).

The test assessed the reliability of an integrated control system for strategic weapons, and the destroyer's sensor and weapon subsystems, said the report.

Choe Hyon was said to have received target information from the integrated control system and proceeded through the necessary launch authorisation procedures before launching the salvo of cruise missiles, which followed preset orbits until impact.

North Korea's supreme leader, Kim Jong‑un, observed the event via a remote link and expressed satisfaction with the results, said the KCNA report.

He directed officials to re-examine future destroyer weapon configurations based on operational needs and suggested replacing naval automatic guns on larger hulls with supersonic weapon systems, while retaining such guns for high‑speed vessels of below 3,000 tonnes.

He further instructed for Choe Hyon