MOSCOW, July 5 -- North Korea tested cruise missiles from a destroyer Saturday, with Kim Jong Un on the ship's deck when they launched - a demonstration that carried clear intent about what Pyongyang wants its navy capable of doing.

The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim supervised the test from the Kang Kon, a 5,000-ton destroyer that partially capsized during its original launch ceremony in 2023, was repaired, and returned to service. The missiles tested Saturday are classified as nuclear-capable delivery systems in North Korean doctrine.

The test covered more than missiles. The exercise also evaluated the Kang Kon's gun and cannon systems and its electronic warfare capabilities, according to KCNA. Kim issued an order at the...