A Show of Force: Unveiling the Destroyer Choe Hyon

In a ceremony held on April 25th, North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, showcased its latest naval asset: the Destroyer Choe hyon. Official images reveal a heavily armed vessel, purportedly equipped with 74 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, sparking international interest and concern.

Decoding the Details: Construction and Capabilities

Assessing North Korea’s military capabilities is notoriously challenging due to the nation’s isolation and strict control over information.Analysis relies heavily on state-controlled media, such as the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which reported the “launching” ceremony at the Nampaho shipyard.

The Choe Hyon’s construction timeline, reportedly completed in just 400 days, raises eyebrows among naval experts. Its estimated displacement of 5,000 tonnes and length of 140 meters position it as a modern frigate, though self-reliant verification remains impossible.

Arsenal Analysis: A Potent Mix of Offense and defense

The most striking feature of the Choe Hyon is its extensive armament. The 74 VLS cells, varying in size, suggest a diverse range of missile capabilities. These cells are distributed across the ship, with 32 small and 12 wide cells located at the front, and 8 large, 12 medium, and 10 very large cells positioned on the rear superstructure.

Beyond the VLS, the Choe Hyon appears to be equipped with an eight-missile short-range air defense system, potentially a Pantsir-Me variant. A space on the superstructure hints at the presence of horizontal launch cruise missiles, similar to those seen on the Amnok corvette. Additionally, four launchers, possibly for light surface-to-air missiles, add to the ship’s defensive capabilities.

The destroyer is very strongly armed, with theoretically up to 74 VLS and 8 missiles via the pantsir.

Strategic Implications: A Regional Threat?

The diverse VLS configuration fuels speculation about the Choe Hyon’s potential mission. While smaller cells likely house air defense missiles, the larger cells raise the possibility of carrying cruise missiles or even ballistic missiles.

The potential for ballistic missile deployment, coupled with North Korea’s ongoing nuclear program, transforms the Choe Hyon into a meaningful threat to regional stability. Neighboring countries like South Korea and Japan, as well as the US Navy, are within potential strike range. The risk of nuclear-tipped missiles being deployed at sea is a serious concern.

If we can ask questions about the real quality or not of the ship’s air defense system…the only potential presence of ballistic weapons makes this destroyer a threat to the countries riparian like South Korea, Japan or even the US Navy.

Design Considerations: Stability and Drone Capabilities

The concentration of armament on the rear superstructure raises questions about the ship’s stability.The presence of a flight deck suggests the use of helicopters or drones, although the absence of a hangar indicates a focus on unmanned aerial vehicles. Two side doors further support the possibility of drone deployment and maintenance facilities.

additional Armament and Potential Russian Assistance

The Choe Hyon’s conventional armament includes a 127mm cannon, two 30mm AK-630 multi-barrel cannons, and potentially additional electronic warfare systems.

The sophistication of the Choe Hyon’s design and armament suggests potential technical assistance from Russia, particularly given Russia’s involvement in the war in Ukraine and its growing relationship with North Korea. While the Choe Hyon’s VLS count rivals that of modern Western ships like the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, caution is warranted. The true value of the Choe Hyon may lie in its potential to carry cruise or ballistic missiles, and whether it will be followed by similar vessels.