North Korean leader Kim Jong Un supervised a fresh round of missile tests over the weekend from a newly developed naval destroyer, state media reported Tuesday, underscoring efforts to expand the country’s nuclear-capable military arsenal.

According to North Korea’s official newspaper Rodong Sinmun, Kim observed the launch of two strategic cruise missiles and three anti-ship missiles from the 5,000-ton-class destroyer Choe Hyon, first unveiled in April 2025.

The report said the cruise missiles remained in flight for more than two hours, while the anti-ship missiles traveled for over 30 minutes along pre-set trajectories across the country’s western waters before successfully striking their targets.

Images released by the Korean Central News Agency showed Kim and senior officials watching the launches from a pier as projectiles streaked into the sky trailing smoke.

The latest tests follow two similar exercises conducted from the same warship last month. Kim has repeatedly emphasized the importance of strengthening North Korea’s naval nuclear capabilities and, after Sunday’s drills, reiterated his commitment to the “limitless expansion” of the country’s nuclear forces.

He also reviewed plans for weapons systems to be installed on additional destroyers currently under construction, signaling continued investment in advanced naval strike capabilities and rapid-response forces.