North Korea has announced the successful repair and relaunch of its 5,000-ton destroyer, which faced difficulties during a failed launch last month. The vessel, named Kang Kon, is the second Choe Hyon-class destroyer constructed by the country this year. It was officially relaunched at a ceremony held in the northeastern port city of Rajin on June 12, as reported by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un personally attended the event and commended the shipbuilding teams for their dedication to modernizing the military, despite encountering numerous obstacles. He emphasized that the destroyer plays a vital role in bolstering the nation’s naval capabilities and expanding its military operational range.
Previously, the destroyer had experienced issues during its initial launch attempt in May. State media later disclosed that the ship had suffered a significant mishap and had foundered in shallow waters. Following this incident, Kim criticized the failure, attributing it to gross negligence, which led to the detention of four officers, including the vice director of the Workers Party’s munitions industry division.
Kim stated that the refurbished Kang Kon destroyer would be ready for naval operations by mid-2026. He also revealed that the ruling Workers Party of Korea has greenlit plans for two additional destroyers of the same class in the coming year.
According to KCNA, Kim reiterated previous assertions that North Korea's naval expansion is a necessary and defensive response to the increasing military presence of the United States and its allies in Asia. He accused them of escalating the threat of nuclear conflict through joint military exercises and the deployment of strategic assets in the region. During the ceremony, Kim warned what he called enemy forces that they would soon realize the provocative nature of foreign warships operating near North Korean waters, adding that the country would respond with overwhelming military action if provoked.
The swift repair and relaunch of the damaged vessel surprised many observers. Analysts noted that the true extent of the damage from the May incident was never fully revealed, and questions linger about whether the destroyer has been completely restored. A report by the 38 North program at the Stimson Center indicates that North Korea can make rapid military advancements when it prioritizes its resources and manpower.
While many international experts remain skeptical about the strength of North Korea’s military, the quick recovery and relaunch of the warship Kang Kon have drawn attention. Traditionally, North Korea's military has relied on smaller vessels for coastal defense. However, the new Choe Hyon-class destroyers, equipped with guided missiles and air defense systems, signify a shift toward greater firepower in both the Yellow Sea and the waters near Japan.
Experts suggest that these destroyers come armed with the Russian Pantsir-M air defense system, hinting at a deepening military partnership between North Korea and Russia, as noted by the Beyond Parallel project. Although these ships are not yet as advanced as those operated by South Korea or the United States, analysts at 38 North argue that North Korea’s rapid shipbuilding indicates improvements that may soon enable the construction of more modern warships.
References: Bloomberg, CNN.
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