North Korea says it has successfully relaunched its new 5,000-ton naval destroyer, just weeks after the ship capsized during its initial launch attempt a high-profile failure that triggered swift retaliation from Pyongyang’s leadership.
According to state media KCNA, leader Kim Jong Un personally oversaw Tuesday’s relaunch at Rajin Port, accompanied by his daughter, Kim Ju Ae. Their appearance underscores the symbolic importance of the vessel, which is one of two newly constructed destroyers and now represents the largest class of warship in North Korea’s navy.
The capsizing last month reportedly enraged Kim, who ordered urgent repairs and demanded accountability. At least four officials, including three shipyard workers and one senior commander, have since been arrested in connection with the mishap.
State media claims the vessel has been “fully restored,” but military analysts remain skeptical, noting the speed of the relaunch. Satellite imagery recently showed the ship being towed to a repair yard, refloated, and returned to dock within just a few weeks.
The destroyers are believed to be capable of carrying nuclear weapons, part of Kim’s growing ambition to develop a nuclear-armed navy. He reportedly plans to build two additional ships of the same class in the coming year.
At the launch ceremony, Kim declared the incident a temporary setback saying, “Soon, enemies will experience how provocative and unpleasant it is to sit and watch the ships of an adversary run rampant on the fringes of sovereign waters.”
Experts are watching closely, noting that if these ships become fully operational, they could significantly extend North Korea’s reach and military threat, especially given the regime’s emphasis on naval nuclear capabilities.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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