North Korea’s New Warship: The Choe Hyon
On Thursday, South Korea’s military reported that North Korea’s newly revealed warship, the Choe Hyon, may have benefitted from Russian assistance, although further analysis is ongoing. The Choe Hyon, a destroyer-class vessel weighing in at 5,000 tons, was recently showcased in Pyongyang, raising eyebrows among defense analysts due to its potential armament capabilities.
According to Lee Sung-jun, a spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in South Korea, there is reason to believe that the North may have received technological support, funding, or other forms of assistance from Russia. Lee elaborated, “Based on the weapons and equipment exposed, we suspect some level of Russian involvement. We are engaged in a more detailed assessment of the situation.”
Troop Assistance to Russia
In a significant development, North Korea confirmed earlier this week that it has dispatched troops to Russia to assist in its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This marks the first acknowledged military cooperation between the two countries. Additionally, North Korea and Russia revealed plans for the construction of a road bridge that will link the two nations.
This cooperation is not just limited to troop support. It signifies a strengthening alliance as both countries face international scrutiny and sanctions, providing them with a much-needed strategic partnership. The implications of such military support could be profound, impacting regional stability.
Kim Jong Un’s Command
Pyongyang’s state media reported that Kim Jong Un oversaw a two-day comprehensive weapons test for the Choe Hyon. During these tests, Kim emphasized the importance of accelerating the navy’s nuclear armament, showcasing North Korea’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities.
According to reports, Kim underscored the need for the navy to integrate various forms of weaponry, including supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, and tactical ballistic missiles, into its arsenal. This push for enhanced naval firepower demonstrates North Korea’s continued focus on military advancement.
Future Operational Readiness
North Korea has boldly claimed that the Choe Hyon is equipped with “the most powerful weapons” and stated its intention for the warship to be operational by early next year. However, JCS spokesperson Lee cautioned that the actual deployment of such vessels typically requires a considerable amount of time post-construction.
“For warships, construction can span several years, and additional time is often necessary before they can be deemed operational,” Lee explained, indicating that while the Choe Hyon has been unveiled, it may still be a while before it sees active duty in the fleet.
