North Korea Relaunches Destroyer After Embarrassing Setback

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North Korea Relaunches Destroyer After Embarrassing Setback

 

North Korea has claimed success in relaunching its new 5,000-ton naval destroyer, just weeks after the vessel dramatically capsized during its initial launch attempt. The restored warship took to the water again at Rajin Port, in the country's northern region, in a high-profile event overseen by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. State media released images of the pair at the ceremony, signaling an effort to project strength and resolve following a humiliating failure.

 

 

The original launch, which took place in May, reportedly infuriated Kim, who viewed the incident as a serious embarrassment. His swift and severe response included ordering immediate repairs and holding senior figures accountable. At least four individuals have since been arrested in connection with the botched launch—three from the shipyard involved and one senior official, according to sources cited by state media.

 

 

Despite claims from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) that the destroyer has now been "fully restored," military analysts remain skeptical. Experts note that the quick turnaround—less than a month—raises serious questions about the thoroughness and integrity of the repairs. "It’s hard to believe a full structural assessment and overhaul could have been completed in such a short period," said one regional analyst familiar with naval engineering.

 

Nonetheless, the relaunch marks a significant moment in Pyongyang’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military forces, particularly its navy. The destroyer is one of two newly constructed 5,000-ton warships built over the past year. These vessels are now the largest in North Korea’s fleet and are believed to be capable of launching nuclear weapons, a development that further escalates regional tensions.

 

Kim Jong Un has made the creation of a nuclear-armed navy a central goal of his military agenda. According to KCNA, he declared his intention to build two more destroyers within the next year. “Soon, enemies will experience how provocative and unpleasant it is to sit and watch the ships of an adversary run rampant on the fringes of sovereign waters,” Kim said during his speech at Friday’s relaunch event.

 

Satellite imagery over recent weeks appears to confirm the sequence of events described by North Korean media. The vessel was first seen capsized in the harbor, then moved to a nearby facility for repair. Subsequent images showed the destroyer being refloated and eventually moored at the pier ahead of its reintroduction to the fleet.

 

While the successful relaunch is likely to be celebrated by state media as a symbol of resilience and technological achievement, the underlying issues that led to the initial failure remain unclear. Questions also linger over whether internal accountability and rushed repair work may have compromised the long-term viability of the vessel.

 

Still, for Pyongyang, the relaunch offers a chance to shift the narrative. By presenting the warship as a restored symbol of military advancement, Kim aims to reaffirm his regime’s determination to push forward with its strategic ambitions—no matter the obstacles.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from BBC  2025-06-14

 

 

[Tug]

Looks top heavy a nice juicy target!

[mfd101]

8 hours ago, Tug said:

Looks top heavy a nice juicy target!

Yes, wouldn't last 10 minutes in any clash with SthK or the US

[FlorC]

Nice daughter though.