N. Korea's destroyer Ganggeonho, which ran aground at its launch, undergoes weapons tests with Kim Jong-un watching

North Korea's new 5,000-ton destroyer Ganggeonho, which ran aground during its own launch ceremony, has undergone a series of weapons tests observed by leader Kim Jong-un.

KCNA reported Saturday that, in accordance with a combat-system performance evaluation plan for the Ganggeonho, tests were conducted Friday involving the launch of strategic cruise missiles as well as naval guns, automatic cannons and electronic warfare systems.

The tests were "part of an evaluation process to review and verify the combat applicability of the various weapons systems installed on the vessel," KCNA said.

During the tests, the ship's target detection and information-processing capabilities and its integrated fire-control system were assessed. Firing of naval guns was followed by the launch of strategic cruise missiles.

Watching the tests from the shore, Kim said: "Looking at recent trends in our weapons development, I can be confident in the potential for advancing our own naval combat system, and this offers great possibilities for transforming the readiness of our military's strategic operations."

Kim outlined a series of phased tasks for developing maritime and underwater combat systems and expanding the scope of military operational zones.

"We must continue to vigorously push forward projects to maintain and steadily expand reliable war deterrence and war-fighting capabilities," he said, adding that North Korea would "demonstrate our political will and determination to possess absolute power through ever clearer actions."

Kim recalled a resolution from the second plenary session of the ninth Central Committee of the Korean Workers' Party to build navy-centered fleet bases and expand shipyard capacity at all levels. He said the state would "take national measures to strengthen our navy, which holds an important position in defending the country's maritime sovereignty and exercising war deterrence."

After encouraging officials from ship and weapons research institutions, Kim ordered the navy to complete the Ganggeonho's testing process and commission the vessel within two months. He also convened a major consultative meeting on the development of the shipbuilding industry.

The Ganggeonho ran aground last May when its hull tilted and capsized as it was being floated during the launch ceremony. North Korea salvaged the vessel just 22 days after the accident and pressed ahead with the launch, but questions have since been raised about whether the ship was functioning normally.

If the Ganggeonho is commissioned within two months as Kim ordered, it would enter active service roughly a year after the grounding accident.

Earlier, North Korea held a commissioning ceremony for another new 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choehyonho, at Nampo port on June 23.