North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has overseen a series of weapons tests aboard the country's newly built 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon, state media reported on Sunday, as Pyongyang continues its drive to strengthen its naval capabilities with nuclear-armed warships.

According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Friday's tests included the launch of a nuclear-capable strategic cruise missile, live-fire exercises with the destroyer's main gun and automatic cannons, and evaluations of its electronic warfare systems, target-detection equipment and information-processing capabilities.

After observing the drills from shore, Kim instructed officials to complete the vessel's remaining sea trials and commission it into active service within two months, KCNA said.

The Kang Kon was repaired after being damaged during a failed launch ceremony in May last year. It was officially relaunched in June, although outside analysts have questioned whether the ship is fully ready for operational deployment.

The latest tests come shortly after North Korea commissioned its first 5,000-ton destroyer, the Choe Hyon, in late June. During the commissioning ceremony, Kim declared that efforts to build a nuclear-armed navy were progressing according to plan.

In recent years, North Korea has increasingly shifted its military focus from ballistic missile development to expanding its naval capabilities, including plans to build a nuclear-powered submarine and strengthen its maritime strike capacity.

Kim has also outlined plans to construct two new 5,000-ton destroyers each year over the next five years, alongside the development of a larger 10,000-ton warship.

South Korean officials and defence experts believe Russia may have provided technical assistance in building the destroyers as military cooperation between the two countries has deepened. However, some analysts remain skeptical about the vessels' operational effectiveness.