North Korea's latest naval destroyer has recovered from a failed launch last May and is now conducting live-fire exercises with its onboard weapons, according to state media reports.

Korea Central Television broadcast footage on Sunday showing the Kang Kon destroyer engaging targets with its primary gun, an autocannon, and multiple missiles launched from vertical tubes.

The Korean Central News Agency described the missiles as strategic cruise weapons, implying they possess nuclear delivery capability.

Friday's tests occurred aboard the 5,000-ton warship and were observed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, KCNA stated.

Additional evaluations covered electronic warfare tools, data processing, and sensor systems for locating targets, the agency noted.

This marks the second ship of its type, following the Choe Hyon, which entered service in late June as Pyongyang's initial 5,000-ton destroyer.

These warships form a key element of Kim's push to expand the navy into a nuclear-armed maritime force that supports the country's land-based long-range missiles.

The Kang Kon encountered serious trouble during its May 2025 launch when the stern descended prematurely along the slipway, causing the hull to buckle and the ship to overturn.

Imagery from satellites revealed the vessel on its side in a partial capsize. Kim labeled the incident a grave error and a criminal matter, leading to the detention of several senior personnel involved in the operation.

Repairs allowed a second launch attempt one month later, and the recent weapons checks indicate progress toward operational status.

State media coverage from Sunday quoted Kim directing aides to ready the Kang Kon for service within the next two months.

Pyongyang intends to construct two additional Choe Hyon-class destroyers, currently the largest surface combatants in its inventory, along with a separate 10,000-ton vessel.

North Korea also introduced the Hero Kim Kun Ok submarine in 2023, a platform capable of firing both ballistic and cruise missiles and derived from a 1950s Soviet Romeo-class design.