North Korea Relaunches 5,000-Ton Naval Destroyer After Embarrassing Capsize

Hadisur Rahman, JadeTimes Staff

H. Rahman is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Asia

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Image Source: Jean Mackenzie/EPA

North Korea has relaunched its newest 5,000-ton naval destroyer less than a month after the vessel capsized during its initial launch attempt, according to state media reports released on Friday. The quick relaunch follows what observers say was an intense internal response led by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who reportedly reacted angrily to the high-profile failure.

The destroyer, named Kang Kon after a prominent general from the Korean War, is now back in the water and docked at Rajin Port in the country’s northeast. Satellite imagery had previously shown the capsized vessel in the harbor before it was relocated to a repair facility, refloated, and moved to a mooring pier.

At Tuesday’s relaunch ceremony, Kim Jong Un and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, were seen overseeing the event, according to images released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The event underscores Kim’s continued emphasis on developing a nuclear-capable naval force.

Arrests and Doubts

Following the initial failure in May, at least four officials including three shipyard workers and one senior official were reportedly arrested. Analysts say the arrests reflect both the regime’s dissatisfaction with the setback and its intent to enforce strict accountability in key military-industrial projects.

Despite the official claim that the Kang Kon has been "fully restored," international experts are skeptical of the quality and thoroughness of the repairs, given the remarkably short turnaround time. Naval analysts also question the vessel’s operational readiness and long-term seaworthiness.

Strategic Intent

This destroyer is one of two new 5,000-ton ships North Korea has launched since April, making them the largest in the country's naval fleet. In theory, they are capable of launching nuclear weapons a capability Kim has prioritized as part of a broader military modernization strategy.

Addressing military officers at the ceremony, Kim reportedly dismissed the failed launch as a minor setback, stating, “Soon, enemies will experience how provocative and unpleasant it is to sit and watch the ships of an adversary run rampant on the fringes of sovereign waters.”

Kim also announced plans to construct at least two additional destroyers of the same class within the next year.

International Concern

The relaunch comes amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula and growing international concern over Pyongyang’s accelerating weapons programs. The development of nuclear-armed naval assets, in particular, raises new security challenges for regional powers and the broader international community.

While Pyongyang continues to face international sanctions, its focus on naval and missile capabilities signals an intent to diversify its military threat profile.

As North Korea pushes forward with its plans, questions remain about the technological capabilities of its fleet and the stability of its shipbuilding infrastructure issues brought to the forefront by the Kang Kon's failed debut and rapid relaunch.