N Korea’s Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer

Seoul: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised tests of a nuclear-capable cruise missile and other weapons aboard the new 5,000-tonne destroyer Kang Kon, state media said on Sunday, as he stepped up efforts to build a nuclear-armed navy.

The official Korean Central News Agency said Friday’s tests included the firing of a strategic cruise missile, the destroyer’s main gun and automatic cannons. The trials also assessed its electronic warfare systems, target-detection and information-processing capabilities.

The Kang Kon was repaired after being damaged during a failed launch in May. After observing the tests from sho­re, Kim ordered officials to complete the vessel’s trials and place it in active service within two months, KCNA said.

The tests came days after North Korea commissioned its first 5,000-tonne destroyer, Choe Hyon, in late June. Kim said the nation’s plans to arm navy with nuclear weapons were progressing.