North Korean dictator enraged by failed destroyer launch, pledges retribution against culprits
North Korea is investigating those responsible for the failed launch of its second naval destroyer, following the denial of any major damage to the warship, which was met with skepticism from outside observers. On Friday, North Korean state media announced that the 5,000-ton-class destroyer sustained "not serious" damage, with the hull scratched on the starboard side and seawater flowing into the stern section. The vessel is expected to take 10 days to repair, as claimed by North Korea, but analysts disagree with the timeframe due to the severity of the apparent damage.
On Wednesday, the warship was damaged during a launch ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin when a transport cradle on its stern detached prematurely. Following the incident, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed fury over the incident, which he described as being caused by criminal negligence. The main military committee has declared that those accountable for the unpardonable criminal act will be held responsible.
The satellite imagery of the site showed the vessel lying on its side and covered in blue tarpaulins, with parts of it submerged. Analysts believe that the North Korean warship likely suffered more significant damage, as the ship's engine room, located in the stern section, may have flooded, and there may be holes in the starboard hull. Repairs to the damaged ship are expected to take more than a year, according to an expert with the Korea Defense Network in South Korea, as the replacement of an engine requires cutting the hull.
Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, suggested that North Korea might be using the failed launch as a chance to strengthen the ruling party's control over science and technological sectors. Meanwhile, Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea's Science and Technology Policy Institute, stated that North Korea's handling of the damaged warship could have long-term consequences for its defense science sector.
As Kim Jong Un attempts to modernize North Korea's naval forces and cope with perceived U.S.-led security threats, the failed launch is an embarrassment. By disclosing the failure both internally and externally, Kim may be trying to demonstrate his resolve in building greater naval forces and boosting discipline at home. He has ordered officials to repair the damaged warship before a ruling Workers' Party meeting in late June. According to the official Korean Central News Agency, a team of prosecutors and experts have begun investigating those involved in the incident.
- The failed launch of North Korea's naval destroyer, which occurred due to criminal negligence as described by Kim Jong Un, could have significant implications for its defense science sector, according to Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea's Science and Technology Policy Institute.
- In Seattle, technology enthusiasts are closely monitoring the investigations into the failed North Korean naval launch, viewing this event as a potential impact on the wider technology landscape within war-and-conflicts context.
- Amidst the ongoing Modernization of North Korea's naval forces and efforts to enhance its defense capabilities, the failed launch and subsequent investigations have become a key topic of discussion in general news and politics circles, as well as within the international community.
