Additional Coverage:
- North Korea denies warship was severely damaged as full investigation underway on its failed launch (apnews.com)
North Korea Launches Investigation After Destroyer Launch Flops
Seoul, South Korea – North Korea has launched an internal investigation following the failed launch of its second naval destroyer, claiming the damage to the vessel is minimal despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Leader Kim Jong Un, reportedly furious over the incident, has called for those responsible for this “unpardonable criminal act” to be held accountable.
The mishap occurred during a launch ceremony at the Chongjin shipyard on Wednesday. The 5,000-ton-class destroyer, similar to one lauded by Kim just last month as a “breakthrough,” tipped onto its side, partially submerged, and draped in blue covers, as seen in satellite imagery.
While North Korea’s state news agency, KCNA, downplays the damage as “not serious,” external experts remain skeptical. KCNA claims only scratches to the starboard hull and some seawater in the stern, estimating a 10-day repair timeframe.
However, analysts believe the damage is far more extensive, potentially including a flooded engine room and hull breaches, requiring significantly longer repairs. One expert suggests the North Koreans may simply right the vessel, repaint it, and declare it launched, masking the true extent of the damage.
The failure reportedly stems from a premature detachment of the transport cradle during the sideways launch – a method untested with North Korean warships of this size. Experts believe the weight of the destroyer’s weapons systems, not adequately accounted for, may have contributed to the imbalance.
Kim, who has ordered a thorough investigation and repair before a key Workers’ Party meeting in late June, may be using this incident to both demonstrate his commitment to naval modernization and tighten control over the country’s scientific and technological sectors. However, some analysts caution that prioritizing political blame over technical accountability could have long-term negative consequences for North Korea’s defense science development. The investigation has already summoned the Chongjin shipyard manager, and the Central Military Commission has vowed that those responsible will face consequences.