North Korea continues to showcase its military capabilities. Leader Kim Jong-un personally oversaw the test launch of a new strategic cruise missile from the deck of the Kang Kon destroyer, the country's largest warship. The demonstration, which also evaluated naval artillery systems and electronic warfare equipment, was broadcast on state television with an excited tone.
South Korean experts state that the missile, believed to belong to the 'Hwasal' (Winged Arrow) series, is 7 meters long and weighs 1,300 kilograms. With a range of 2,000 kilometers, this missile has the capacity to strike American bases in South Korea and Japan. The North Korean news agency's use of the term 'strategic' indicates that the weapon is nuclear-capable.
Heavily armed destroyer
The Kang Kon destroyer, where the tests were conducted, weighs 5,000 tons and is the largest warship North Korea has ever built. The ship, 145 meters long and 16 meters wide, has its most striking feature: 88 vertical launch cells distributed along its sides. This heavy firepower places the ship among the top ranks of modern destroyers. The ship also has a 130-millimeter main gun at the front.
Stern orders from the leader to the crew
According to Al Jazeera's report, behind the scenes of this launch were Kim Jong-un's stern orders. The leader reportedly ordered the destroyer, which he attended the launching ceremony for a year ago but which capsized and failed its sea trial, to enter service within two months. Officials are said to be making intense efforts to avoid Kim's anger and possible execution, while the fate of those responsible for the previous failure remains unclear.
Discussions on digital platforms
The military announcement sparked various reactions on digital platforms. Comments compiled in the July 5, 2026 episode of Al Jazeera's 'Şebekat' program are as follows:
- Some users praised the development in North Korea's military industry, while warning that if this system were sold to Russia or China, an alliance would form that the US and its allies could not counter.
- Another group downplayed the event's significance, arguing that it was a routine show of force that Kim repeats about three times a year, with no real weight.
- Comments suggesting that Kim is looking for trouble and will be the US's next target after Iran also drew attention. The same comment also stated that producing weapons is a correct strategy at a time when the world is preoccupied with trivial matters.
- Another user claimed that when things get serious, the US and its allies will strike Kim from an unexpected place, and he won't even have time to use the weapons he produced.
