Photo shows Pyongyang preparing new bridge to Russia over Tumen River
North Korea has conducted weapons tests of its new 5,000-metric-ton multipurpose destroyer, a Choe Hyon-class vessel, state media reported Wednesday, marking a major step in its naval modernization and fueling speculation of technological support from Russia.
According to The Rodong Sinmun, the tests were carried out over two days on Monday and Tuesday, following the ship’s launch ceremony Friday. The trials were intended to evaluate the vessel’s weapon systems and overall combat performance.
On the first day, North Korea fired a range of weapons from the destroyer, including supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, surface-to-air missiles and a 127 mm automatic naval gun. The second day included tests of tactical antiship guided weapons, various automatic cannons and countermeasure systems such as smoke screens and electronic jammers.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the first day of testing and reportedly called for the acceleration of naval nuclear armament. He was quoted as saying it was time to make “responsible decisions” to strengthen maritime defense capabilities and stressed the importance of establishing “an offensive and proactive defense posture based on powerful strike capability.”
Kim was accompanied by his daughter Ju-ae and key officials, including Missile Administration Director Jang Chang-ha, Central Military Commission member Kim Jong-sik and party secretary Jo Chun-ryong, according to the report.
The Choe Hyon-class destroyer is believed to be equipped with a Hwasan-class cruise missile system, which is potentially capable of carrying nuclear warheads, signaling North Korea’s efforts to establish second-strike capability. This would allow the regime to conduct nuclear retaliation from sea-based platforms, should its land-based systems be neutralized.
Military experts in South Korea say the vessel's features — including its supersonic missile system, phased-array radar and integrated air defense system — closely resemble Russian military designs and suggest significant North Korea-Russia technical cooperation.
Rep. Yoo Yong-won, a former military journalist and lawmaker from the ruling People Power Party, said the destroyer’s radar and air defense system appear to be modeled after Russia’s Pantsir system.
“There’s a high possibility that North Korea received advanced weapons technologies from Russia in return for dispatching forces to support Moscow in the war in Ukraine,” Yoo said.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s Unification Ministry on Wednesday released photos suggesting that North Korea has begun clearing land near the Tumen River border with Russia, believed to be in preparation for a groundbreaking ceremony to construct a new road bridge over the river.
Currently, a railway bridge connects North Korea’s Tumen River Station and Russia’s Khasan Station, but there is no bridge for vehicles. The project stems from agreements reached during the summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in June last year.
The new bridge, planned approximately 415 meters downstream from the existing railway crossing, is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.
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