North Korea’s New Navy Destroyer Fiasco: Kim Jong Un’s Outrage Over Botched Launch | CNN

In a significant incident, North Korea’s newest warship suffered severe damage during its launch. Kim Jong Un, who was present, expressed deep disappointment, calling the mishap a blow to the nation’s pride and vowing to hold those responsible accountable, according to state media.

The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that a launch mechanism malfunction caused part of the 5,000-ton destroyer to slip into the water prematurely. This not only damaged the hull but also left the front of the ship stuck on the launch platform.

Kim labeled the incident a “criminal act,” attributing it to negligence from various state bodies, including the Munitions Industry Department and the central ship design bureau. After the mishap, a South Korean military official stated that the ship was now lying on its side in the water.

Experts believe that such a malfunction could lead to catastrophic damage. Sal Mercogliano, a maritime professor at Campbell University, warned that stress during the launch could tear the hull apart. Carl Schuster, a naval analyst, echoed this sentiment, suggesting it could warp the hull and induce serious cracks.

This incident is a setback for North Korea’s ambitious naval modernization plans. Analysts had previously noted that the vessel was meant to be part of a new class of warships. Earlier in the year, Kim unveiled the Choe Hyon, the nation’s first newly built destroyer in decades, which marked a significant shift from the outdated Soviet-era ships.

The Choe Hyon was heavily promoted as a “new generation” warship and was seen as a response to perceived threats from the U.S. and South Korea. The recent accident raises questions about North Korea’s naval capabilities and whether they can fulfill their modernization goals.

Kim has called for the damaged destroyer to be repaired by a coming party meeting, stating that it’s a matter of national honor. However, given the extent of the damage, experts are skeptical. Retired South Korean Admiral Kim Duk-ki noted that North Korea likely lacks the infrastructure, such as a dry dock, to properly repair a vessel of this size. He pointed out that without a dry dock, the process gets significantly more challenging and time-consuming.

Yu Yong-weon, a South Korean defense analyst, emphasized the rush to launch the ship as a key factor in the problems faced, warning that quick fixes could lead to future issues.

If experts are correct, repair efforts may take several months rather than weeks. An investigation is underway, and senior officials involved in the launch could face consequences during the next party meeting.

Historically, North Korea’s navy has been the least developed part of its military. The rapid pace of destroyer development has raised eyebrows, with many analysts questioning how much of this capability is operational versus merely symbolic. Mercogliano suggested that there is doubt about whether these new vessels even have functioning engines, as no images have confirmed they are seaworthy.

The implications of this incident not only affect North Korea’s naval ambitions but also reflect broader themes of accountability and infrastructure limitations within its military modernization efforts.



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