by A major military embarrassment has struck North Korea after a 5,000-ton warship capsized during a failed launch in Chongjin.
New satellite imagery shows the country’s largest destroyer lying on its side in the water, sparking condemnation from Kim Jong Un and raising questions about North Korea’s naval capabilities.
What Happened
On Wednesday, a new North Korean destroyer capsized during what was meant to be a celebratory launch event at Chongjin port.
State media confirmed that Kim Jong Un personally attended the ceremony and witnessed the failure firsthand.
The vessel slid prematurely into the water, jamming its stern and causing the entire ship to tilt onto its side.
Key Details
- The destroyer, believed to be from the Choe Hyon-class, is the largest warship in North Korea’s navy.
- Satellite images show the ship lying on its starboard side, partially in the water, with blue tarps covering damaged sections.
- The weight imbalance and internal flooding have made recovery efforts difficult.
- South Korean military officials confirmed that the ship is submerged and potentially severely damaged.
According to analysts, the launch used a broadside technique, which involves sliding the ship sideways into the water — a high-risk method when not executed properly.
Reactions or Statements
North Korean state media described the failure as a “serious accident and criminal act.”
Kim Jong Un was reportedly furious, stating the event had “collapsed the dignity and self-respect of our state in a moment.”
Officials responsible for the launch have been censured, and a party committee will address the incident next month.
Investigation or What’s Next
Recovery will require draining the flooded compartments and potentially using a heavy-lift crane to right the vessel.
Experts say the exposed and flooded electronics may lead to months of repairs or complete scrapping.
Despite the mishap, the Choe Hyon-class remains a symbol of Pyongyang’s efforts to modernize its navy — including the potential integration of vertical launch systems for advanced missiles.
FAQs
What caused the destroyer to capsize?
A malfunction in the launch mechanism led to the stern sliding early while the bow remained stuck on land.
Was anyone hurt during the launch?
No casualties were reported. Crewmembers are usually not aboard during ship launches.
What class is the destroyer part of?
The destroyer is likely from the Choe Hyon-class, North Korea’s largest guided missile frigate class to date.
Why is this incident significant?
It marks a major setback in North Korea’s ongoing military modernization and damages the regime’s image of strength.
What happens next for North Korea’s navy?
They will attempt to recover or rebuild the destroyer, while continuing their broader naval upgrades, including submarines and missile systems.
Summary / Final Takeaway
North Korea’s failed destroyer launch is not only a costly technical failure but a deep blow to the regime’s military prestige.
As the vessel lies capsized at Chongjin port, Kim Jong Un faces both internal scrutiny and global attention.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenges North Korea faces in advancing its naval ambitions.
