North Korea has successfully raised a capsized warship that partially sank during a failed inaugural launch in May. The 5,000-ton destroyer was damaged after a transport cradle detached prematurely during the launch ceremony, witnessed by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim described the incident as a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness” and vowed to punish those responsible.
According to the country’s state news media, KCNA, the warship has been moored at a port in Chongjin, northeast North Korea, for repairs. Experts will examine the hull for further restoration work at Rajin Dockyard over the next week to 10 days. The ship’s full restoration is expected to be completed before a major communist party meeting later this month.
The damaged warship is North Korea’s second known destroyer and is considered a crucial asset in Kim’s goal of modernizing the country’s naval forces. South Korea’s military estimates that the new warship is similarly equipped to the 5,000-ton destroyer-class vessel Choe Hyon, which North Korea unveiled last month. The Choe Hyon is reportedly equipped with “the most powerful weapons” and is expected to enter operation early next year.
Kim has framed the modernization of his military as a response to threats from the US and South Korea, key allies that regularly conduct military drills together. The North Korean leader has also expressed interest in acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine to further strengthen the country’s navy. Recent meetings between Kim and Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu suggest deepening ties between the two countries, which signed a mutual defense pact last year.
The recovery efforts have been notable for their speed, with the North Korean government reportedly completing the salvage operation manually. Despite this achievement, doubts remain about whether the country can complete repairs by the deadline set by Kim Jong Un, ahead of a major communist party meeting this month. Given the shipyard’s limited experience with large warships and the extent of the damage, many outside experts view this timeline as highly unrealistic.
The incident highlights the challenges North Korea faces in its military modernization efforts. While the country has made significant progress in developing its naval capabilities, incidents like the warship’s failed launch demonstrate the risks and difficulties involved. As North Korea continues to prioritize its military development, the outcome of the warship’s repair and its potential deployment will be closely watched by regional and global observers.