S. Korea's military says new N. Korean warship likely requires more time for deployment
North Korea conducts its first firing tests of key weapons systems for North Korea's new 5,000-ton multipurpose destroyer named the Choe Hyon, with its leader Kim Jong-un in attendance, in this photo released by the North's official Korean Central News Agency on April 30. Yonhap
North Korea's newly launched destroyer likely requires a "considerable" amount of time for deployment, South Korea's military said Thursday.
Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Col. Lee Sung-jun made the assessment after the North's new 5,000-ton Choe Hyon destroyer -- launched Friday -- conducted live-fire tests of its weapons systems for the first time Monday and Tuesday.
"While the Choe Hyon was unveiled, it likely needs a considerable amount of time for deployment," Lee said in a briefing. "When looking at its weapons and equipment, there is a possibility that (the North) received technological or financial help from Russia."
Lee said warship development typically take years to complete and that further time is required for deployment even after a vessel is built.
"(We) are closely monitoring and tracking North Korea's weapons development activities."
38 North, a U.S. think tank monitoring North Korea, earlier said more work appeared to be necessary for the destroyer, citing commercial satellite imagery taken Friday that showed tugboats being used to move the ship.