SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea reportedly experienced a significant setback this week as its second naval destroyer was damaged during a failed launch at the Chongjin port. This incident has emerged as an embarrassment for leader Kim Jong Un, who is actively pursuing the modernization of the country's naval forces.
It is unusual for North Korea to publicize military-related failures, but experts suggest that this disclosure reflects Kim's commitment to advancing naval capabilities and an indication of confidence in achieving those objectives. The newly constructed 5,000-ton-class destroyer became unbalanced during the launching event on Wednesday, leading to punctures in its bottom sections after a transport cradle malfunctioned. Reports from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) provide limited details regarding the cause, extent of the damage, or any injuries incurred during the incident.
During the launch, which Kim attended, he accused military officials, scientists, and shipyard operators of being "careless" and conducting a "criminal act" through their "absolute irresponsibility." Furthermore, Kim has called for a meeting of the ruling Workers' Party, set for late June, to address these failures. Expert Moon Keun-sik from Hanyang University mentioned that the incident might have resulted from the inexperience of North Korean workers with operating large warships and the rushed process of getting the vessel into the water.
The damaged destroyer is believed to belong to the same class as the first destroyer unveiled on April 25, which is assessed as North Korea's largest and most advanced warship to date. This initial destroyer, named Choe Hyon—after a renowned Korean guerrilla fighter from the Japanese colonial era—was described by Kim as crucial for expanding North Korea's military operational reach and enhancing its nuclear strike capabilities.
The Choe Hyon is reported to be equipped with various weapon systems, including anti-air and anti-ship capabilities, as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Kim projected that this ship would be operational by early next year and has overseen missile testing from the warship. As for the latest damaged vessel, South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff revealed that it likely possesses comparable systems and remains capsized in the sea.
Recent commercial satellite images indicated that North Korea was constructing its second destroyer at the Hambuk shipyard in Chongjin. The Center for Strategic and International Studies noted that satellite imagery dated May 12 confirmed the ongoing construction. A separate report from the 38 North website highlighted that the destroyer was being prepared for a sideways launch from the quay, a rare practice in North Korea.
According to analysts, the Choe Hyon destroyer may have been developed with assistance from Russia, as both nations are strengthening military ties. Despite the perceived inferiority of North Korea's naval capabilities compared to South Korea's, the destroyer poses a serious security threat, as it potentially enhances North Korea’s offensive and defensive capabilities.
Kim has framed the naval expansion as a direct response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies in Asia, particularly in light of heightened military exercises. He has indicated that acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine is a priority in bolstering his naval capabilities.
In the hours following the report on the damaged destroyer, North Korea launched multiple cruise missiles from near the town of Sondok, marking yet another instance in a series of weapons testing activities in recent years. The South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff did not immediately disclose the distance achieved by the launched missiles, as they continue to analyze the events with U.S. intelligence.
