Naval Systems

Kang Kon destroyer

Kang Kon is North Korea's second Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyer, a 5,000-ton warship launched after a failed first attempt and later shown at the Najin shipyard for repair and relaunch. Open-source reporting describes it as part of Kim Jong Un's effort to expand the Korean People's Navy into a larger blue-water and nuclear-armed force.

Specifications

Displacement
About 5,000 tonnes
Gun armament
1 x 127 mm gun turret
Vertical launch system
VLS hatches fitted; installation status reported as unclear during June 2025 imagery
Status
Second Choe Hyon-class destroyer; launched, repaired, and later shown ahead of commissioning

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
Launched in June 2025, moved to Najin for repair after a failed first launch, and reported in June 2026 as nearing commissioning.

Timeline

Kang Kon destroyer Key Events

  1. Initial launch attempt fails

    The destroyer was reported as suffering a failed launch at Chongjin's Hambuk Shipyard before being moved for repair.

    Sources: Launching of North Korea's Second Choe Hyon-Class Destroyer

  2. Relaunched at Najin

    CSIS imagery showed the Kang Kon launched at the No. 28 Shipyard in Najin after repairs.

    Sources: Launching of North Korea's Second Choe Hyon-Class Destroyer

  3. Commissioning reported

    Al Jazeera reported that Kim Jong Un pledged to soon commission the Kang Kon as North Korea expanded its large-destroyer program.

    Sources: North Korea commissions warship as Kim eyes nuclear navy

Related Weapon Systems

Type 055 / Renhai-class destroyer, Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy guided-missile destroyer or cruiser class, Naval SystemsNaval SystemsType 055 / Renhai-class destroyerChinese People's Liberation Army Navy guided-missile destroyer or cruiser classThe Type 055, also called the Renhai class, is a Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy guided-missile destroyer class built as a large multirole surface combatant. Open-source references describe it as a 180-meter ship with a 112-cell vertical launch system, carrier-escort air-defense role, and enough size and sensor capacity that NATO and U.S. references often compare it to a cruiser.

Related News

Sources