North Korea has successfully relaunched its damaged second naval destroyer, just three weeks after the vessel capsized during an unsuccessful unveiling. The ceremony was attended by the country’s leader, Kim Jong-un, who presided over the event and boarded the ship, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to enhancing its naval capabilities in the face of what he termed “US-led hostilities.”
Recovery and Repair Amid Skepticism
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday that the warship has undergone repairs and is back in service. However, experts remain skeptical about the integrity of the ship after it was submerged for nearly two weeks. Concerns are particularly focused on whether essential systems such as the engine and electronics can function properly following the incident.
Details surrounding the mishap on May 21 indicate that Kim expressed anger over the event, attributing it to “criminal negligence” and demanding swift repairs ahead of an upcoming Workers’ Party meeting. Following the incident, state media confirmed that four officials were detained due to their roles in the failed launch.
“Nothing can block” North Korea’s efforts to strengthen its naval combat power, Kim Jong-un stated during the launch ceremony.
Future Naval Ambitions
In a statement released by KCNA, Kim declared that the two destroyers would play a crucial role in bolstering naval operations. He also vowed that North Korea would respond to external threats with “overwhelming military action” and extended “deepest condolences” to the family of a shipyard worker who lost their life during repair efforts.
Images captured via satellite previously illustrated the destroyer partially submerged at the Chongjin port. Reports from last week suggested that the vessel had been uprighted and relocated to Rajin, close to the Russian border, for additional repairs.
Analysts have expressed doubts about the feasibility of the repair timeline, with Yang Uk from Seoul’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies stating, “Considering the time they needed to raise the vessel, they would have had less than two weeks to carry out the real repair work.” He further questioned whether that timeframe was sufficient to ensure the ship is operationally capable.
South Korean expert Lee Illwoo noted that critical systems, including the engine room and missile launchers, may have suffered damage from saltwater exposure. He speculated that the relocation to Rajin could indicate potential assistance from Russia in the repair process.
The recently relaunched destroyer is believed to be in the same class as North Korea’s first destroyer, which was launched in April. Both vessels are approximately 4,500 metric tons and represent North Korea’s most advanced warships to date, with Kim announcing plans to construct an additional two destroyers in the upcoming year.
This report emerges amidst a backdrop of shifting dynamics on the Korean Peninsula, as South Korea’s newly elected liberal government under President Lee Jae-myung has suspended frontline propaganda broadcasts, a move interpreted as an effort to ease tensions with North Korea. As of now, Pyongyang has not issued a formal response to these developments.