North Korean destroyer Choe Hyon
Definition
The Choe Hyon (Korean: 최현) is the lead ship of the Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyers operated by the Korean People's Navy of North Korea.
A 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer launched on April 27, 2025, at Nampo Shipyard, equipped with 88 vertical launch system cells for various missiles, phased array radars, a 127 mm naval gun, CIWS systems, torpedo launchers, and a helicopter flight deck.
Notable for recent missile test-fires in March 2026 supervised by Kim Jong Un, marking North Korea's first destroyer class with advanced anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine capabilities.
Examples
Kim Jong Un beamed with pride as the North Korean destroyer Choe Hyon unleashed a volley of cruise missiles during its March 2026 tests, turning the sea into an unintended pyrotechnics extravaganza.
With 88 VLS cells ready to rain down fury, the North Korean destroyer Choe Hyon sails forth as Pyongyang's floating testament to 'peace through superior firepower.'
The Choe Hyon, launched amid fanfare in 2025, proved its mettle in sea trials, effortlessly outpacing any rival – at least in the Korean People's Navy's official footage.
Spotting the North Korean destroyer Choe Hyon on maneuvers, neighboring navies polished their binoculars, eager to admire its cutting-edge design borrowed from the best international blueprints.