North Korea has successfully raised a 5,000-tonne destroyer that capsized during a failed launch ceremony at the Chongjin shipyard in late May, according to a report by Reuters. The incident was witnessed by leader Kim Jong Un and described as a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness.”
The North’s state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed that the ship was stabilized and moored at a pier in Chongjin on June 5. The warship had partially capsized on May 21 when a transport cradle malfunctioned, damaging the hull during what was intended to be a high-profile naval unveiling.
High Stakes: Naval Modernization and Political Deadlines
The damaged vessel, believed to be the North’s second destroyer-class warship, is undergoing urgent repairs ahead of a major Workers’ Party meeting later this month. Restoration work is being carried out at the Rajin Dockyard, with full operational status expected within 10 days.
Jo Chun Ryong, a senior party official, assured the public that “perfect restoration” would be completed as per Kim Jong Un’s strict deadline. This aligns with Pyongyang’s ongoing efforts to modernize its military capabilities, particularly its naval forces.
Leadership Fallout and Arrests
Kim Jong Un personally condemned the incident, leading to the arrest of four senior officials involved in the launch. They were accused of negligence and harming the regime’s image. Such strong internal purges reflect the regime’s high sensitivity to public perception, especially when military projects fail in front of the Supreme Leader.
Choe Hyon: The Flagship Destroyer
The sunken destroyer appears to be a counterpart to the Choe Hyon, another 5,000-tonne warship introduced earlier this year. According to Al Jazeera, Choe Hyon is reportedly equipped with advanced missile systems and nuclear-capable weapons. North Korea has claimed that it is the most advanced ship in its arsenal and will enter full service by early 2026.
Defense experts believe both vessels reflect North Korea’s ambition to counter U.S. and South Korean naval dominance in East Asia. Some reports even suggest Russian assistance in the Choe Hyon’s development, possibly in exchange for North Korean soldiers aiding Russia in the war in Ukraine.
Strategic Partnerships: Russia and Beyond
Just days before the ship restoration was confirmed, Kim Jong Un met with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang. The two countries, who signed a mutual defense agreement in 2024, pledged to assist one another militarily in the event of “external aggression.”
This growing North Korea-Russia alliance, along with military cooperation, presents a significant geopolitical challenge for the U.S. and its East Asian allies. Kim continues to frame these moves as necessary deterrents against joint South Korea-U.S. military drills.
Next Steps: Nuclear Submarine Plans
Kim Jong Un has also stated that a nuclear-powered submarine will be the next milestone in the modernization of the Korean People’s Navy. This ambition, if realized, would mark a major shift in regional naval capabilities and potentially draw strong responses from Washington and Seoul.
For real-time military tracking and analysis, visit the 38 North project or the CSIS Korea Chair.
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Keywords: North Korea warship capsize, Kim Jong Un navy, Chongjin shipyard accident, Choe Hyon destroyer, Rajin Dockyard, North Korea-Russia alliance
