SEOUL/PYONGYANG, 05 July (H.S.): North Korean leader Kim Jong Un inspected the test-firing of a strategic cruise missile and other weapons systems from the country's new 5,000-ton, 140-metre multipurpose naval destroyer, Kang Kon. He directed that the warship be commissioned into the navy within two months and pledged the early launch of new 10,000-ton-class strategic warships.

According to reports by South Korea's state-run Yonhap News Agency and Iran's state-run Press TV, Friday's trials successfully tested a strategic cruise missile, naval artillery, automatic guns and electronic warfare systems. North Korea said the objective of the tests was to verify the operation and effectiveness of the destroyer's various weapons systems under combat conditions.

Kim Jong Un stressed the need to further strengthen the country's military power and deterrence capabilities, saying North Korea would demonstrate its political resolve and military strength through more decisive actions.

Meanwhile, the South Korean military said on Sunday that it had detected North Korea's cruise missile launches toward the East Sea (Sea of Japan) on Friday. Military experts from Seoul and Washington are analysing the technical aspects of the missile tests.

Footage released by North Korean state television showed multiple cruise missiles being launched in succession. The Kang Kon destroyer was launched last year. During its initial launch attempt, the warship reportedly capsized, but it was later repaired and successfully completed subsequent trials.

Military analysts believe the missiles used in the test were likely from North Korea's Hwasal series of cruise missiles. Since Pyongyang describes them as strategic weapons, experts believe they may be capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

Kim has previously claimed that the Kang Kon is equipped with anti-aircraft, anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-ballistic missile capabilities. He has also stated that the warship is capable of launching nuclear-capable strategic cruise missiles as well as tactical ballistic missiles.

North Korea has recently commissioned another 5,000-ton destroyer, Choe Hyon, into its navy. Analysts believe Pyongyang aims to strengthen its maritime nuclear capabilities by deploying Choe Hyon in the western maritime region and Kang Kon in the eastern maritime region.

Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, said North Korea could formally commission the Kang Kon into naval service on September 9, marking the 78th anniversary of the country's founding.

North Korea maintains that continued military activities by South Korea and the United States have pushed the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear conflict. Meanwhile, South Korea and the United States continue to closely monitor Pyongyang's missile and weapons programmes.

The 1950-53 Korean War ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty, meaning the two Koreas remain technically in a state of war.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar