North Korea’s Destroyer Launch Goes Awry
On May 21, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the launch event for two new Cho Ha-ion class destroyers at the Chongjin shipyard, located in the eastern region of Jeongjin. Unfortunately, the event was marred by a significant mishap.
During the launch, one of the brand new destroyers, weighing 5,511 tonnes and measuring 144 meters, capsized shortly after entry into the water. This unfortunate incident swiftly drew the attention of the United Nations, which observed the embarrassing blunder.
State media claimed that the ship was eventually righted after lying on its side for a few weeks. Despite this assertion, the damage—both physical and reputational—was undeniable.
“This was a result of pure irresponsibility and a lack of scientific rigor during the process,” stated a source from the Korea Chuo News Agency. They pointed out that “the slipway launch system failed,” causing the vessel to lose balance due to structural holes. Consequently, it became impossible for the bow to exit the slipway, resulting in a serious accident.
Ahn Chan-Il, a defector who leads research at the North Korean Institute, noted potential rushed construction at the docks, suggesting a possible accumulation of issues during shipbuilding.
The United Nations deemed this mishap “criminal,” attributing it to merciless and careless practices that should have been avoided at all costs.
The regime’s embarrassment over this incident is compounded by the fact that a scapegoat is expected to emerge—the son of Ri Hyong, who is the deputy director of the Munitions Industry Division in the Party’s Central Committee. Reports indicate that he has been arrested and held “highly responsible” for the shortcomings.
Following the mishap, there seems to have been a frantic attempt to manually correct the situation. Satellite imagery revealed that barrels were hastily employed to stabilize the impromptu floating of the damaged destroyer as efforts to secure its position continued.
Additional satellite images indicated that extensive repairs would be necessary, particularly to the sonar bow section, which was reported to be severely damaged.
Despite these setbacks, North Korean media affirmed that the destroyer has regained its balance and is now able to float properly at the pier, although skepticism remains.
Interestingly, some military observers have noted that the destroyer may have been developed with assistance from Russia, which could suggest deeper geopolitical implications, especially considering North Korea’s ongoing relationship with Russia amid the conflict in Ukraine.
