This satellite image shows North Korea's second newest destroyer in Chongjin Shipyard, North Korea, on May 18, 2025, just days before it was damaged in a 'serious accident' during a launching ceremony.
A major naval disaster has rocked North Korea’s military ambitions. During a grand launch ceremony on Wednesday, a 5,000-ton navy destroyer suffered serious damage due to a mechanical malfunction. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un witnessed the incident and was reportedly enraged by the outcome.
The ship, which was to be a centerpiece of North Korea’s naval modernization, slid awkwardly into the water. The rear section, or stern, entered the water prematurely, crushing parts of the hull. The front of the ship remained stuck on the shipway, leaving the vessel stranded and heavily damaged.
Leader’s Outrage Over ‘Criminal’ Launch Failure
Kim Jong Un called the failed launch a “criminal act.” He blamed the disaster on “absolute carelessness” and “irresponsibility” by several state-run institutions. These included the Munitions Industry Department, Kim Chaek University of Technology, and the central ship design bureau.
He did not hold back. North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) published his remarks—an unusual step that signals the gravity of the situation.
Military Experts Warn of Catastrophic Damage
South Korean military officials confirmed the ship is now lying on its side. According to Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Sung-joon, the damage is significant and visible.
Maritime experts agreed. Sal Mercogliano, a U.S. naval expert, warned that if a ship’s body doesn’t move together, it can tear apart. Carl Schuster, another naval analyst, added that the stress could warp the hull or even break the ship’s backbone—the keel.
North Korea’s Naval Ambitions Take a Hit
This destroyer was meant to be a follow-up to the Choe Hyon, a destroyer unveiled in April. That ship was hailed by North Korea as a “new generation” warship. It was also the first newly built destroyer in decades and marked a significant shift from older, Soviet-era ships.
The failed launch marks a serious blow to Kim Jong Un’s plans to modernize the Korean People’s Navy. His vision includes developing more destroyers, cruisers, and frigates to boost naval power in the face of U.S. and South Korean threats.
Doubt Cast Over North Korea’s Naval Capabilities
The failed launch raises serious concerns about North Korea’s ability to construct and maintain modern warships. South Korean officials said the damaged ship was likely equipped similarly to the Choe Hyon, but now lies inoperable.
Analysts say the technical failure also points to a lack of proper infrastructure. Retired South Korean Admiral Kim Duk-ki stated that North Korea likely doesn’t have a dry dock large enough to handle a 5,000-ton ship. A dry dock is essential for proper construction, repairs, and recovery.
Without one, any hope of restoring the ship quickly is slim.
Kim Demands Restoration, Sets Tight Deadline
Despite the extent of the damage, Kim ordered the ship to be restored before the upcoming June plenary session of the Workers' Party. He called the restoration a matter of national honor.
However, experts believe this is unrealistic. Repairs could take four to five months or more. Rushing them could risk further problems, said South Korean lawmaker and defense analyst Yu Yong-weon.
Political Fallout and Internal Investigation Underway
An internal investigation is already in motion. KCNA reported that a task force has been set up to probe the accident. Senior officials may face harsh consequences during the upcoming Party Central Committee meeting.
This public failure highlights the fragile state of North Korea’s naval modernization program. While the country seeks to showcase its military strength, Wednesday’s disaster suggests it may still be far from achieving true naval power.
Symbolism vs. Functionality in North Korea’s Navy
Analysts now question how much of Pyongyang’s recent naval progress is real. Maritime expert Mercogliano said no evidence has emerged showing these new warships actually sailing. That casts doubt on whether they even have functional engines.
The botched launch may not only harm North Korea’s pride—but also expose the limits of its military capabilities.
