In a significant blow to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s ambitions of modernizing his nation’s antiquated naval fleet, a newly unveiled destroyer reportedly met disaster during its launch, crashing into the water in a botched maneuver.
This incident, which Kim personally witnessed during a Wednesday event, has drawn sharp criticism from the leader, who condemned officials for their “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism,” labeling the mishap a “serious accident” akin to a criminal act.
The 5,000-ton destroyer was docked at a shipyard in Chongjin, a northeastern port city, when it was pushed sideways toward the water.
Instead of moving smoothly, the ship’s hull became damaged, leaving its bow stuck on the launchway, as reported by state media.
South Korea’s military, utilizing satellite imagery, confirmed that the vessel ended up lying on its side, while North Korean media refrained from publishing any images or details regarding potential injuries.
This warship was considered a key component of Kim’s efforts to revitalize North Korea’s naval capabilities, which largely consist of outdated Soviet-era vessels.
In contrast to the advanced nuclear-powered submarines and warships of the U.S. and South Korea, North Korea’s fleet remains significantly inferior.
Enhancing naval power could provide the Kim regime with a strategic advantage, allowing for more unpredictable military operations and extending the potential theater of combat beyond land.
Amid pervasive food shortages and economic challenges, Kim has emphasized military advancements to rally national pride and showcase strength.
Following the launch debacle, officials involved faced severe reprimands, with Kim promising a turnaround by the next month. He remarked that the mishap had “brought the dignity and self-respect of our state to a collapse.”
In recent months, Kim had dedicated considerable attention to naval enhancements, visiting shipyards and heralding advancements.
His enthusiasm was evident during the successful rollout of another warship from the “Choe Hyon” class, named after a general from the era of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung. During this event, Kim expressed deep emotion, stating, “I cannot suppress my emotions.”
Days later, he oversaw test-firings from the Choe Hyon-class vessel, reportedly launching a supersonic cruise missile, an antiaircraft missile, and a 127-mm ship-based gun.
This class of warship incorporates a Russian air-defense system and shares design elements with Russian military hardware, reflecting the deepening military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow.
In addition to naval developments, Kim has also focused on advancing North Korea’s nuclear capabilities, with plans for a nuclear-powered submarine among his top priorities, alongside solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles and spy satellites.
As the regime seeks to bolster its military stature, Kim’s dreams of a formidable naval presence remain under scrutiny following this latest setback.
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