South Korea Suspects Russian Aid in North Korea’s New Warship Development

North Korea’s newly unveiled 5,000-ton destroyer-class warship, named Choe Hyon, may have been developed with Russian assistance, South Korea’s military said on Thursday, while noting that further analysis was underway. Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) spokesperson Lee Sung-jun told reporters, “Looking at the weapons and equipment that were revealed, we believe that there is a possibility that they received technology, funds or assistance from Russia.”

Pyongyang recently revealed the warship, which some analysts believe could be equipped with short-range tactical nuclear missiles. North Korea claimed the destroyer is armed with the “most powerful weapons” and would “enter into operation early next year.” Lee, however, noted that the ship’s full deployment is likely to take longer, saying, “It takes several years to build and even after completion it takes additional time for them to become operational.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the first day of a two-day weapons test of the vessel earlier this week, according to state media outlet Korean Central News Agency. During the test, Kim ordered officials to focus on “accelerating the nuclear armament of the navy,” and praised the vessel’s integrated firepower system, which reportedly combines “supersonic cruise missile, strategic cruise missile and tactical ballistic missile.”

Lee emphasized that South Korea is continuing “a more detailed analysis” of the warship and its capabilities. “Although the Choe Hyon has been unveiled, it seems likely that considerably more time will be needed for its operational deployment,” he added.

This latest development comes amid growing military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow. Earlier this week, North Korea confirmed for the first time that it had deployed troops to Russia to support Moscow in its war in Ukraine. The two countries also announced the start of construction on the first road bridge linking them.

The closer ties between North Korea and Russia are drawing international scrutiny, particularly as both nations face global sanctions. Observers worry that deeper cooperation could accelerate North Korea’s weapons programs and further destabilize the region.