Incident of North Korean Naval Destroyer’s Failed Launch
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) – This week, North Korea experienced a significant setback as its second naval destroyer was damaged during a failed launch. As reported by state media on Thursday, the failure has incited outrage from leader Kim Jong Un, who is pushing for larger warships to confront what he perceives as increasing threats from the United States and its allies.
North Korea’s Rare Acknowledgment of Military Setbacks
It is unusual for North Korea to publicly acknowledge failures related to its military endeavors. However, analysts interpret the unveiling of this incident as a sign of Kim’s commitment to advancing the country’s naval capabilities. Despite the failure, there is an underlying confidence that he can ultimately realize his vision for a more formidable naval force.
Details of the Failed Launch
The incident occurred during a launch event at the northeastern port of Chongjin on Wednesday. Reports from the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) indicate that the newly constructed 5,000-ton-class destroyer lost its balance, leading to damage in its lower sections when a transport cradle slid off and became stuck. Specific details regarding the cause of the accident, the extent of the damage, or any potential injuries were not disclosed by KCNA.
Kim Jong Un’s Response to the Incident
Present at the launch ceremony, Kim Jong Un expressed his discontent and held military officials, scientists, and shipyard workers accountable for what he termed a “serious accident.” He criticized the actions as resulting from “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.” In light of this incident, Kim has called for a meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party to address these “irresponsible errors,” scheduled for late June.
The Significance of North Korea’s Naval Projects
The destroyers under construction are touted as North Korea’s most sophisticated warships to date. Experts, including Moon Keun-sik from Hanyang University, have suggested that the acknowledgment of the incident serves to highlight North Korea’s determination to enhance its naval forces. By disclosing this setback, North Korea aims to demonstrate its commitment to rapidly modernizing its navy and instilling confidence in its ability to build an advanced fleet.
Impact of Worker Expertise on the Launch
Moon also hypothesized that the mishap likely stemmed from the inexperience of North Korean workers with such large vessels, emphasizing the rushed nature of the launch process. This incident may underline the challenges North Korea faces in training its workforce to manage and operate complex naval technologies.
Evaluation of North Korea’s Current Naval Capabilities
The damaged destroyer is reportedly of the same class as the first destroyer unveiled last month. Experts regarded this vessel as not only North Korea’s largest warship to date but also a pivotal component in extending the military’s operational capabilities and enhancing its nuclear strike potential. The initial destroyer, named Choe Hyon—after a celebrated Korean guerrilla fighter during the Japanese colonial period—was positioned as a significant asset in fulfilling these military ambitions.
Weapon Systems and Future Expectations
According to state media, the Choe Hyon destroyer is designed to be equipped with various weapons systems, including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Kim Jong Un has indicated that this vessel is expected to be activated by early next year and is already slated for subsequent test-firings of missiles.
Current Status of the Damaged Vessel
Recent satellite images have revealed the partially submerged state of the damaged destroyer. Lee Sung Joon, a spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, stated that the vessel, likely outfitted with similar systems as its predecessor, remains overturned in the sea. Satellite photos from Planet Labs PBC shared with the press seemingly depict the ship tilted on its side, with most of its hull underwater and covered with blue tarpaulins.
Construction of a Second Destroyer
Previous commercial satellite imagery had indicated that North Korea was in the process of constructing its second destroyer at the Chongjin shipyard. A report by Beyond Parallel, an initiative from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, captured images of the Hambuk shipyard, showing that a new vessel in the Choe Hyon-class of guided missile destroyers was under assembly.
Unconventional Launch Methods Observed
An analysis from the North Korea-focused 38 North website revealed that preparations for the new destroyer were underway to launch it sideways from the quay—a method that has rarely been employed in North Korea. In contrast, the first destroyer was launched using the floating dry dock at the Nampo shipyard.
Military Partnerships and Analysis of Naval Developments
Officials and analysts suggest that the Choe Hyon destroyer likely benefited from Russian assistance as the military collaboration between North Korea and Russia strengthens. Despite facing numerical and technological disadvantages, North Korea’s nuclear-capable destroyer, equipped with an advanced radar system, could still improve its overall offensive and defensive capabilities.
Context of Military Escalation
Kim Jong Un has framed the ongoing arms buildup as a defensive maneuver against perceived threats stemming from the United States and South Korea, particularly in light of their ramped-up military exercises in response to North Korea’s advancing nuclear program. Future aspirations include acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine, which Kim sees as the next crucial step in fortifying North Korea’s naval strength.
Continued Weapons Testing
Shortly after the announcement regarding the damaged destroyer, North Korea conducted test-firings of multiple cruise missiles from a location approximately 300 kilometers south of Chongjin. These launches indicate a continuation of North Korea’s persistent pattern of weapons testing in recent years. South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported that these actions are currently under examination by South Korean and U.S. intelligence agencies.
