North Korea's Kim Observed Naval Destroyer Cruise Missile Launch

Global news from Asia: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the test firing of a strategic cruise missile and evaluations of anti-ship, anti-submarine and air defence systems aboard the naval destroyer Kang Kon, state media KCNA reported.

The test comes as tensions on the Korean Peninsula remain high, with Pyongyang continuing its missile development despite international sanctions. South Korea and the United States have condemned the test.

Kim reportedly oversaw the test personally, with state media releasing images of him aboard the destroyer. The Kang Kon is one of North Korea's newest naval vessels.

The test is the latest in a series of weapons tests by North Korea, which has continued to develop its nuclear and missile capabilities despite the war in Ukraine and other global crises.

--- Related Stories: WORLD | ASIA | GLOBAL NEWS | BREAKING NEWS Tags: world, asia, global-news, breaking-news, north-korea Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, AFP. Updated on July 05, 2026.