North Korea test-fires missiles from new warship

North Korean’s state news agency KCNA on 30th April said the country conducted its first test-firing of its new "Choe Hyon-class" warship earlier this week. Leader Kim Jong Un and other officials attended the test, where supersonic and strategic cruise as well as anti-air missiles were launched.

 The 5,000-ton warship was named after anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter Choe Hyon.  KCNA reported that Kim was impressed by the ship's powerful strike and conventional defenses and said it will be deployed next year.

He also said the time had come for "accelerating the nuclear armament of the navy" for maritime sovereignty and for the sake of national defense.  He said acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine would be the next big step.