In a recent update, North Korea proudly announced the successful relaunch of its new 5,000-ton naval destroyer, less than a month after the vessel capsized during its initial launch attempt. State media reports from Pyongyang detailed that the warship has now been fully restored and ready for operational duties. The leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, expressed intense dissatisfaction after the initial failure in May, resulting in the arrest of four officials—including three from the shipyard—responsible for the incident.
North Korea Successfully Relaunches Warship After Initial Capsizing
North Korea Successfully Relaunches Warship After Initial Capsizing
North Korea announces the successful relaunch of its naval destroyer, following a prior failure just weeks earlier. This marks an important step in the country's military modernization efforts.
The newly revamped destroyer, which bears the name Kang Kon—dedicated to a North Korean general from the Korean War—was overseen during its relaunch at Rajin Port by Kim and his daughter Kim Ju Ae. Circumstantially, experts have raised concerns about the thoroughness of the repairs, noting the rapid timeline of the ship's return to the water.
This destroyer is among two brand new vessels launched by North Korea since April, and they represent the largest ships in Pyongyang’s navy to date, purportedly capable of launching nuclear weapons. Kim Jong Un has prioritized the enhancement of a nuclear-capable navy, indicating intentions to construct two additional destroyers in the upcoming year.
Visual evidence from satellite imagery captured over recent weeks displayed the capsized Kang Kon being relocated for repairs before finally being refloated and secured at the pier. In a speech reported by the state-run KCNA at the relaunch event, Kim boldly claimed that the failed launch had not deterred North Korea's military modernization, vowing that adversaries would soon be confronted with North Korean naval power.
This destroyer is among two brand new vessels launched by North Korea since April, and they represent the largest ships in Pyongyang’s navy to date, purportedly capable of launching nuclear weapons. Kim Jong Un has prioritized the enhancement of a nuclear-capable navy, indicating intentions to construct two additional destroyers in the upcoming year.
Visual evidence from satellite imagery captured over recent weeks displayed the capsized Kang Kon being relocated for repairs before finally being refloated and secured at the pier. In a speech reported by the state-run KCNA at the relaunch event, Kim boldly claimed that the failed launch had not deterred North Korea's military modernization, vowing that adversaries would soon be confronted with North Korean naval power.
