SEOUL — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the launches of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from the 5,000-ton-class destroyer Choe Hyon on Sunday, according to North Korean state media. After the tests, Kim said his government would expand its nuclear forces without limits and set new tasks to enhance its nuclear attack and rapid-response capabilities. All claims about the tests originate from North Korean state media and have not been independently verified.

The cruise missiles flew for more than two hours along pre-set trajectories over the country's western seas before striking their targets, while the anti-ship missiles flew for more than 30 minutes along similar trajectories before striking their targets, state media reported. Kim had supervised two earlier rounds of missile tests from the Choe Hyon last month.

Kim also reviewed plans for the weapons systems aboard his country's third and fourth destroyers, which are currently under construction. He said the development of the Choe Hyon would expand the operational reach and preemptive strike capabilities of his military. The Choe Hyon is designed to carry anti-air weapons, anti-ship weapons, and nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, according to the state-run newspaper Rodong Sinmun.

North Korea unveiled a second destroyer of the same class in May 2025. That vessel, named the Kang Kon, was damaged during a failed launch at the northern port of Chongjin and was relaunched in June after repairs. A third destroyer under construction at the Nampo shipyard is expected to be completed by the ruling Workers' Party's founding anniversary in October.

Last week, North Korea conducted a series of tests involving various new weapons systems, including ballistic missiles armed with cluster-bomb warheads. During the same week, Kim met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and voiced support for Beijing's push for a multipolar world.

Kim has not engaged in talks with Washington or Seoul since his diplomatic efforts collapsed in 2019. He rejected U.S. offers to resume talks as President Donald Trump entered his second term and urged Washington to drop its demand for denuclearization as a precondition for negotiations. Kim has described South Korea as his most hostile adversary.