South Korea detects cruise missile launches from North Korean destroyer

South Korean defense officials confirmed on Sunday that radar and satellite assets picked up a series of cruise‑missile launches originating from the North Korean destroyer Kwang Gong during its recent sea trials.

The missiles, believed to be Hwasal‑type cruise weapons, were launched in a coordinated pattern of roughly ten missiles at once. The South Korean military, in coordination with U.S. counterparts, is conducting a detailed analysis of the launch data to determine range, accuracy and possible nuclear capability.

The detection comes as North Korea announced that Kim Jong Un has ordered the vessel to be integrated into the Korean People’s Navy within the next two months, potentially aligning its formal entry with the September 9 national anniversary.

Analysts note that this marks the second 5,000‑ton destroyer, after Choe Hyun, to be added to the fleet, signalling a rapid buildup of sea‑based, nuclear‑capable platforms. The increase in naval firepower is seen as a strategic move to project power beyond the Korean Peninsula.

Both Seoul and Washington are closely monitoring the evolving situation, emphasizing the need for heightened regional security measures.