LONDON — North Korea’s highly anticipated launch of its newest warship turned into a significant setback on Wednesday, as the vessel became stuck and tipped during the launch process, causing notable damage to the ship’s hull. The incident, reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), was described by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un as a “serious accident” that resulted from “pure carelessness” and amounted to a “criminal act.” The mishap occurred at the Cheongjin shipyard in the country’s northeast region, disrupting what was expected to be a major milestone in Pyongyang’s naval development.
The launch failure unfolded when the warship, a 5,000-ton destroyer, became immobilized on its launching sled, and the flatcar carrying the vessel failed to move in parallel alignment, causing the stern of the ship to depart first and strand. This sequence led to the crushing of sections of the ship’s bottom, disrupting its balance and preventing the bow from exiting the shipway. The resulting damage, according to KCNA, was severe enough to compromise the structural integrity of the warship and halt the launch altogether.
KCNA television anchor Ri Chun-hee, a well-known figure in North Korean state media, attributed the failure to “inexperienced command and operational carelessness.” Her broadcast underscored the gravity of the error and laid the blame on human mistakes during the critical phase of the ship’s deployment.
Kim Jong Un, who had been present at the launch event, expressed a harsh rebuke of those responsible. In a stern assessment communicated by KCNA, Kim condemned the accident as “a serious accident that could not have happened, could not be tolerated, and was a criminal act caused by pure carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.” The language used by the North Korean leader reflected a rare public airing of fault within the usually tightly controlled narrative of the country’s military achievements.
The North Korean leader did not stop at criticism; he issued a “stern warning” to multiple government bodies and scientific institutions involved in the warship’s construction and launch. These included the Department of Munitions Industry, the Institute of Dynamics of the State Academy of Sciences, Kim Chaek University of Technology, and the Central Ship Design Institute. Kim’s message made clear that accountability measures would be enforced, with the matter slated for discussion at an upcoming meeting of the Party Central Committee next month, where those deemed responsible are expected to face consequences.
The damaged warship represents the second vessel in North Korea’s latest class of destroyers, following the unveiling of the first ship named Choe Hyon in April. The Choe Hyon launch ceremony was marked by Kim’s declaration that the construction was a “breakthrough” in the nation’s naval modernization efforts, signaling Pyongyang’s intention to develop a more capable and technologically advanced maritime force.
Kim’s vision extends to creating a blue-water navy — a fleet with the operational range and capability to conduct missions far beyond North Korea’s coastal waters and into the open ocean. This strategic ambition indicates a shift in North Korea’s military posture, emphasizing expanded reach and greater maritime presence. The setbacks during this latest launch, however, highlight the challenges the regime faces in achieving these goals.
Satellite imagery prior to the failed launch had shown the new destroyer moored at a harbor in Chongjin, North Korea, underscoring the significance of the vessel within the country’s naval arsenal. The images captured by Maxar Technologies depicted a formidable warship that was anticipated to bolster North Korea’s maritime defenses and offensive capabilities.
Despite the setback, North Korea remains resolute in its pursuit of naval expansion. Kim’s pointed remarks and public reprimands serve both as a warning to those within the military-industrial complex and as a message to external observers that the regime is committed to overcoming obstacles and advancing its strategic objectives.
The launch failure and subsequent fallout come amid heightened regional tensions in East Asia, where North Korea’s military developments are closely monitored by neighboring countries and the international community. The incident may provoke additional scrutiny of North Korea’s shipbuilding programs and raise questions about the reliability and readiness of its emerging naval forces.
As the investigation into the launch mishap continues, eyes remain on the upcoming Party Central Committee meeting, which will likely provide further insight into the internal repercussions and any shifts in North Korea’s military-industrial policies. The resolution of this incident will be critical in determining the pace at which North Korea’s blue-water navy ambitions progress in the months and years ahead.
In summary, the failed launch of North Korea’s new destroyer at the Cheongjin shipyard stands as a stark reminder of the technical and operational hurdles the regime faces in its quest to modernize and expand its naval power. The public condemnation by Kim Jong Un and the arrests or disciplinary actions anticipated from the Party Central Committee underscore the seriousness with which Pyongyang views this failure. As the country reassesses its processes and personnel, the international community will continue to watch closely, aware that the evolution of North Korea’s naval capabilities has significant implications for regional security and geopolitical stability.
