North Korea’s second 5,000-ton naval destroyer suffered significant damage during a failed launch at Chongjin Shipyard, a setback for leader Kim Jong Un’s naval modernisation ambitions, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported.
Kim, who attended the ceremony, labelled the incident a “criminal act” caused by “absolute carelessness” and vowed to hold officials accountable, highlighting the challenges facing North Korea’s underdeveloped navy.
The destroyer, likely of the same Choe Hyon-class as a vessel unveiled in April 2025, tipped during a side-launch attempt, crushing parts of its hull and leaving it partially capsized, according to KCNA. The agency attributed the failure to “inexperienced command and operational carelessness,” noting a transport cradle on the stern detached prematurely, disrupting the ship’s balance. South Korea’s military confirmed the vessel was lying sideways in the water, with satellite imagery showing damage before the launch.
🇰🇵 A North Korean warship launch went wrong in front of Kim Jong Un, leaving the dictator furious, reports The Guardian. The 5,000-ton destroyer tipped during its launch in Chongjin, damaging the hull. Kim called it a “disgrace” and ordered repairs before the next party meeting.… pic.twitter.com/d0cbkXElsG
— NOELREPORTS 🇪🇺 🇺🇦 (@NOELreports) May 22, 2025Kim sharply criticised multiple institutions, including the Munitions Industry Department and Kim Chaek University of Technology, ordering an investigation and restoration before a Workers’ Party plenary session in June 2025. Naval analyst Carl Schuster estimated repairs could take months, citing potential hull warping and keel damage. KCNA reported no casualties, but the incident embarrassed Kim, who called it a blow to national dignity.
Regional Tensions and Missile Launches
Hours after the failed launch, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff reported North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles toward the East Sea (Sea of Japan), escalating regional tensions. The launches, detected near South Hamgyong province, align with Pyongyang’s pattern of testing missiles amid military setbacks, as noted by Seoul’s defence ministry. Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missile tests do not violate UN sanctions, but they underscore North Korea’s ongoing weapons development.
The damaged destroyer follows the April 2025 launch of the Choe Hyon, North Korea’s largest warship, touted for its missile capabilities. Kim aims to expand naval power, potentially with Russian assistance, given Chongjin’s proximity to Vladivostok, though South Korea’s military provided no conclusive evidence of collaboration.
Analysts like Moon Keun-sik suggest North Korea’s rare admission of failure reflects Kim’s confidence in eventual success, despite technical limitations. The side-launch method, chosen due to the shipyard’s lack of advanced infrastructure, highlights North Korea’s resource constraints.
The failure raises doubts about North Korea’s ability to scale naval operations, with its navy often considered the weakest military branch. Kim’s order for rapid repairs underscores the political stakes, but experts warn the damage could significantly delay deployment. KCNA stated that an investigation group will probe the incident, with senior officials facing potential censure at the June Workers’ Party meeting.
