15-06-2025

North and South Korea advance maritime warfare capabilities

Date: 15-06-2025
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | foxnews.com: 1 | scmp.com: 1
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Source: scmp.com

Image content: The image shows a model of a large grey naval aircraft carrier with a flat deck and angled flight deck. The model features various aircraft and vehicles on its deck, showcasing its capabilities. The carrier is displayed on a reflective surface, possibly glass or acrylic, against a neutral background.

Summary

North Korea has relaunched a warship after a failed attempt, while South Korea unveils a concept for a drone carrier, highlighting the region's naval developments and tensions.

Key Points

  • North Korea successfully relaunched its 5,000-ton destroyer, Kang Kon, after it capsized during its first attempt in a 'criminal' act according to Kim Jong Un
  • The destroyer is part of Kim's priority to develop a nuclear-armed navy, capable of launching such weapons
  • South Korea has introduced a new drone carrier, the HCX-23 Plus, potentially positioning it as a major force in unmanned naval warfare

Articles in this Cluster

North Korea claims warship launch successful on second tryBritish Broadcasting CorporationBritish Broadcasting Corporation

North Korea claims to have successfully relaunched its new 5,000-ton naval destroyer, the Kang Kon, just less than a month after it capsized during its first attempted launch. Leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter oversaw the relaunch at Rajin Port, and state media reports that the ship has been fully restored, though experts question whether repairs are truly complete given the quick turnaround. The destroyer is one of two new warships built by North Korea in the past year and is capable of launching nuclear weapons, aligning with Kim's priority to develop a nuclear-armed navy.

North Korea relaunches warship after May accident, Kim calls it 'criminal' | Fox News

North Korea has relaunched a 5,000-ton warship after a failed launch in May, with leader Kim Jong Un attending the ceremony and calling the initial accident a "criminal act." The ship, named "Kang Kon," had tipped over during its initial launch due to a malfunctioning flatcar, and several officials, including the chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard, were arrested. Kim vowed to continue producing new warships, stating that they will "form the backbone of our maritime defense forces."

South Korea’s radical drone carrier concept enters race for maritime power projection | South China Morning Post

South Korea has unveiled a model of a new drone carrier, the HCX-23 Plus, which could position the country as a leader in unmanned naval warfare. The 15,000-tonne ship, designed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, lacks a traditional command island and is optimized for drone operations. Military experts see the concept as a significant development in naval warfare, potentially allowing South Korea to become the fourth country, after China, Turkey, and Iran, to operate such a vessel.