DPRK holds ceremony marking commissioning of new elite destroyer Kang Kon

Images via KCNA

Various Sources

The Kang Kon destroyer was officially commissioned into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's East Sea Fleet at a ceremony in Wonsan, attended by Kim Jong-un, highlighting its role as part of the state nuclear counteraction system.

The commissioning ceremony took place at Wonsan Port in the DPRK's eastern Kangwon Province. Leader Kim Jong-un attended, accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju and daughter Kim Ju-ae. Senior officials and DPRK sailors were present to mark the formal induction of the 5,000-ton warship into the East Sea Fleet.

During the event, Kim Jong-un inspected the destroyer and conducted group photos with sailors, including with his daughter standing beside him aboard the vessel. DPRK media described the destroyer as an “essentially offensive destroyer” and part of the state nuclear counteraction system, emphasizing its strategic military function. Applause and ceremonial displays were observed as the vessel was formally added to naval service.

Kim Jong-un emphasized the destroyer’s role in maritime defense, war deterrence, and nuclear retaliation capabilities, describing it as a force capable of delivering deadly retaliatory blows to enemies. He framed the commissioning as an expression of the DPRK's sovereignty and self-respect at sea, pointing to the continuous threats in the East Sea and asserting the country’s determination to expand and modernize its naval arsenal. He also indicated plans to further enhance naval forces and strategic maritime assets over the coming months.

The Kang Kon is the second ship in the Choe Hyon-class of destroyers, built at the Hambuk Shipyard in Chongjin. The ship has a displacement of approximately 5,000 tons and a length of 140–145 meters with a beam of around 16 meters.

It features:

Armament: 1 × 127 mm naval gun, Pantsir-ME CIWS, 2 × 30 mm AK-630 CIWS, 74 vertical launching system (VLS) cells for various guided missiles, anti-ship cruise missile launchers, and four 4-cell small launcher units for additional missile or anti-submarine munitions.

Sensors and Electronics: Four phased array radars atop the superstructure, electronic warfare systems, and four countermeasure dispensers.

Aircraft Facilities: A flight deck capable of operating one helicopter.

Capabilities: The ship is designed for anti-aircraft, anti-ship, anti-submarine, and anti-ballistic missile missions, including the deployment of nuclear-armed cruise and tactical ballistic missiles.