Choe Hyon

The Choe Hyon is a new class of multi-purpose destroyer designed and built by North Korea in less than two years. It is an advanced surface combatant vessel being built for the North Korean Navy and is provided with a variety of missile systems. These 5,000-ton class ships feature stealth design as well as multiple vertical launching systems (VLS) and modern sensors. The existence of this new warship was revealed in 2024 with launch ceremony being carried out on April 25, 2025. Several ships may be commissioned by North Korean beginning in 2026 or 2027. The purpose of this class seems to keep in check both Japan and South Korea as well as the US Navy operating in the waters surrounding North Koerea. The vessel features a strong air defense capability as well as very strong offensive capabilities being able to launch hypersonic and cruise missiles. The sensors and weapon systems provided to the new class of Korean People’s Army (KPA) Navy destroyers seem to be supplied from Russia. The air defense system might be built around the Poliment-Redut air defense system with 44 (32+12) VLS for 9M96 surface-to-air missiles. The ship is also provided with one Pantsir-M short-range air defense system. There a 20 (12+8) VLS for large-caliber missiles which might include Klub missile family or Hwasal-2 strategic cruise missiles as well as potentially the Kalibr long-range cruise missile. The larger launchers could be employed for the longer range Pyoltsi-1-2 surface-to-air missile. Another 10 larger caliber VLS located at the place intended for the helicopter hangar seem to point to the possibility of launching Medium or Intermedium Range Ballistic/Hypersonic missiles from the vessel allowing engaging targets at 2,000-3,000 kilometers. Besides, the weapon system includes a 127mm gun at the bow and a flight deck for a single helicopter.

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