North Korea's New Destroyer Damaged in Botched Launch

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed fury after a newly built 5,000-ton-class destroyer was damaged during a launch event he witnessed, with state media blaming "absolute carelessness" and "irresponsibility." The incident occurred at the northeastern port of Chongjin, where the vessel became unbalanced and was punctured after a transport cradle slid off. Kim ordered a meeting to address the "irresponsible errors" and called the incident a "shameful thing." Experts believe the damaged vessel was likely similar to the country's first destroyer, which was unveiled last month and is considered North Korea's largest and most advanced warship. Despite the setback, analysts say the disclosure of the incident suggests Kim is serious about advancing his naval program and is confident in its success.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un was left fuming after attending the botched launch of a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer at the northeastern port of Chongjin. The ship slid off a ramp and became stuck due to a flatcar failing to move alongside it, causing damage to the ship's bottom. Kim blamed military officials, scientists, and shipyard operators for the "serious accident and criminal act" caused by "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism." He ordered an investigation and restoration of the destroyer before a late June Workers' Party meeting, deeming it "directly related to the prestige of the state." The launch was intended to showcase North Korea's military advancement, but ended in embarrassment for Kim. Experts believe the incident may have occurred due to North Korean workers' unfamiliarity with the large warship and being rushed to launch it.

Satellite images show a damaged North Korean naval destroyer after a failed launch ceremony, with the ship twisted and partly submerged in the water. The launch failed when a flatcar guiding the ship malfunctioned, causing the warship to become unbalanced. North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un was reportedly furious over the botched launch, blaming officials for "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism." Kim demanded repairs be completed before a communist party meeting in June and warned that mistakes would be investigated. The incident is an embarrassment for North Korea, which has been focused on building its military arsenal.