INTERNATIONAL — April 14, 2026

North Korea Tests Cruise and Anti-Ship Missiles from New Destroyer

North Korea tested two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from its newly deployed Chae-hyon destroyer to assess its guidance systems, accuracy and crew readiness, KCNA reported. Kim Jong Un and senior officials observed the launches amid the country's military modernization efforts.

The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Khaama Press2 min read

North Korea Tests Cruise and Anti-Ship Missiles from New Destroyer
Image courtesy Khaama Press

North Korean state media KCNA reported that the country tested strategic cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles from its newly deployed Chae-hyon destroyer.

The destroyer launched two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles during the tests, which were conducted to assess the warship's operational performance. This included evaluations of its guidance systems, accuracy and the combat readiness of its crew, according to KCNA.

The test-firings took place in the presence of Kim Jong Un and senior military officials.

KCNA stated that the launches verified the destroyer's capabilities as part of North Korea's ongoing military modernization efforts.

The Chae-hyon destroyer represents a recent addition to North Korea's naval fleet, with the tests aimed at confirming its readiness for operational duties.

Read the original reporting at Khaama Press

Reliability assessment

Single source (Khaama Press) provides direct attribution to KCNA (North Korean state media) with concrete, checkable details including named warship 'Chae-hyon destroyer', specific missile counts (2 cruise, 3 anti-ship), and presence of named official Kim Jong Un. 'KCNA reported X' is reliably verifiable.

The source language reads straight.

Across the newsrooms

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InternationalNorth Korea, Kim Jong Un, Chae-hyon destroyer, KCNA, missile test

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