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North Korea’s 5,000-ton destroyer, a key component of its naval modernization program, suffered severe damage when it slid off a flatcar during a launch ceremony at Chongjin Port, attended by leader Kim Jong Un. The incident, described by state media as a result of “inexperienced command and operational carelessness,” left the vessel “lying on its side in the sea” and marked a setback for Kim’s efforts to deploy the ship by early 2025 [1]. The vessel, believed to be a variant of the Choe Hyon-ho class, was reportedly equipped with supersonic cruise missiles, anti-aircraft systems, and electronic jamming technology, though its full capabilities remain unverified [2].
The launch method used—side-launching from a quay—was unconventional for North Korea, as the shipyard lacked an incline, a technique previously unobserved in the country’s naval construction [3]. Experts suggest the ship’s design may have incorporated Russian assistance, given North Korea’s recent military cooperation with Russia, including the provision of weapons to Ukraine [4]. Despite the damage, North Korea remains committed to its naval expansion, with plans to deploy the vessel and develop a nuclear-powered submarine, a long-term goal highlighted in Kim’s 2023 military strategy [5].
The incident has heightened regional tensions, occurring amid North Korea’s accelerated weapons testing and its perception of U.S.-South Korean military exercises as a prelude to invasion. While the cruise missile launches did not violate UN Security Council resolutions, their technical sophistication and range have raised concerns among analysts [6]. The failure to restore the ship ahead of a key Workers’ Party meeting may further strain Kim’s leadership, as he seeks to project military strength amid domestic and international pressures [7].
https://www.nbcnews.com/world/asia/new-north-korean-warship-damaged-launch-ceremony-leader-kim-looks-rcna208425
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