North Korea raises capsized warship after botched launch: Report

The North Korean navy destroyer is set to be completely restored before a significant communist party meeting later this month.

North Korea has successfully salvaged a capsized warship and brought it to a port in the country’s northeast for repairs. This comes after the vessel sustained damage during a failed inaugural launch in May, as reported by the country’s state news media KCNA.

According to KCNA, the destroyer’s balance was restored in early June, and it was docked at a pier in Chongjin on Thursday. Recent commercial satellite images and assessments from South Korea’s military confirm that the 5,000-tonne destroyer has been returned to an upright position following the serious incident on May 21. During the launch ceremony, a transport cradle detached prematurely, causing hull damage and leaving the vessel partially capsized in a port.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who witnessed the failed launch, described it as a result of absolute carelessness and a criminal act. As part of the investigation into the incident, four officials were arrested on charges of damaging North Korea’s national dignity.

The warship’s hull will now be examined by experts in preparation for the next phase of repairs at Rajin Dockyard, expected to be completed over the next week to 10 days. The full restoration of the ship is anticipated to be finished before the upcoming ruling party meeting later this month.

North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party official Jo Chun Ryong stated that the destroyer’s restoration will be completed without fail by the deadline set by Kim.

The damaged warship is North Korea’s second known destroyer and is considered a crucial asset in Kim’s efforts to modernize the country’s naval capabilities. South Korea’s military estimates suggest that the new warship is comparably equipped to the 5,000-tonne destroyer-class vessel Choe Hyon, unveiled by North Korea last month.

North Korea claims that the Choe Hyon is armed with powerful weapons and is expected to become operational early next year. South Korea’s military speculates that Russia may have assisted in the development of the Choe Hyon, possibly in exchange for North Korean troops supporting Russia in Ukraine.

Kim views the modernization of the military as a response to perceived threats from the US and South Korea, who conduct joint military exercises. He has also expressed interest in acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine to further bolster North Korea’s naval capabilities.

In a recent meeting with Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, Kim reiterated the deepening ties between North Korea and Russia, following a mutual defense pact signed in June last year. The agreement commits both countries to provide immediate military support if either faces aggression.

The news comes amid ongoing efforts by Kim to enhance North Korea’s military capabilities and strengthen its position on the global stage.