Source: foxnews.com
Image content: This is a satellite view of a dockyard where a large naval vessel is moored alongside a pier. Cranes, vehicles, and equipment are visible on the quay, suggesting maintenance or repair activity, with the water and nearby buildings surrounding the site.
Summary
North Korea’s bid to showcase naval modernization backfired when a new 5,000-ton Choe Hyon–class destroyer was badly damaged during a sideways launch at Chongjin, reportedly due to equipment failure and “absolute carelessness.” Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the incident, publicly castigated military and shipyard officials, ordered an investigation, and demanded rapid repairs ahead of a late-June party meeting. Satellite imagery corroborated severe hull damage and partial submersion, underscoring the seriousness of the mishap. Despite the embarrassment, Pyongyang appears intent on signaling accelerated naval ambitions—likely incorporating Russian technology—aimed at deploying nuclear-capable missiles and advanced sensors, alongside parallel programs such as AI-enabled drones, early-warning aircraft, and a nuclear-powered submarine. Hours after acknowledging the accident, North Korea conducted cruise missile tests amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing U.S.–South Korea exercises.
Key Points
- A 5,000-ton destroyer was damaged in a failed sideways launch at Chongjin, leaving it twisted, punctured, and partly submerged.
- Kim Jong Un publicly blamed “carelessness,” ordered an investigation, and demanded repairs before a late-June party meeting.
- Satellite imagery confirmed the severity of the damage, contradicting a planned display of strength.
- The destroyer class likely fields nuclear-capable missiles and advanced radar, potentially with Russian assistance.
- Despite the setback, North Korea continued weapons testing and touts broader military programs including AI-enabled drones and a nuclear submarine project.