A Long Way to Go: Restoring North Korea's State-of-the-art Destroyer
Successfully retrieved sunken warship following troubled missile test, as Kim Jong-un denounces responsible parties as 'culpable traitors'
The dramatic incident of a North Korean destroyer capsizing during its launch has led to a furious response from the country's dictator, who labeled it a "criminal act." Several officials were arrested, and the vessel was salvaged and moored at the northeastern port of Chongjin.
Although the North Korean news agency confirmed the vehicle's restoration, naval experts will first assess its hull and essential parts before moving it to a dry dock in the nearby port of Rajin. The process is expected to take around 7 to 10 days, and the aim is to complete the repairs before the scheduled Workers' Party congress in late June, as set by Kim Jong-un.
Military and satellite imagery show the warship is stable enough for inspection and transport despite uncertainties about the extent of the damage. Jo Chun-ryong, a senior ruling party official, guaranteed the perfect restoration of the destroyer, which was reportedly damaged during a launching ceremony that Kim Jong-un dubbed as a "careless, irresponsible, and unscientific criminal act."
With a displacement of 4,500 metric tons, the ship is North Korea's second in its class and part of Kim's efforts to modernize naval capabilities. Analysts deem it similar to a vessel launched in April, which experts consider the regime's most sophisticated warship to date, capable of deploying anti-air, anti-ship, and nuclear-capable missiles.
South Korean military spokesperson Lee Sung-joon asserted the North had likely righted the ship earlier this week and was currently draining water and assessing internal damage. The duration of the repair process depends on internal repairs and assessments, and the incident's impact on future deployment is uncertain.
The ship's construction is under suspicion of having Russian technical support, which might result from the deepening military ties between Moscow and Pyongyang. In a recent display of strengthening bilateral ties, Kim hosted Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu in Pyongyang.
While North Korea's naval forces do not match regional rivals, analysts believe a modern destroyer would still enhance both offensive reach and defense. Western officials are concerned that North Korea's supply of military equipment, including missiles and artillery, to support Russia's war in Ukraine may be rewarded with advanced military technology.
What's Next for North Korea's Military Build-up?
Kim maintains that his military efforts are necessary to counter perceived hostile actions by the US and South Korea, who have ramped up joint exercises in response to North Korea's weapons development. The North Korean leader has expressed his intention to acquire a nuclear-powered submarine as his next goal to strengthen naval power.
Sources
- North Korea salvages capsized destroyer and vows to fix it — Yonhap
- Analysts: North Korea is Building a Fleet of Modern Warships — Voice of America
- North Korea's Kim Unveils New Submarine - NK News
- N. Korea's military parade shows larger missiles, submarines — AP News
- North Korea's Latest Warship: Made in Russia? - The Diplomat
General news outlets are reporting on the salvage and repair of North Korea's state-of-the-art destroyer, which capsized during its launch. This incident has led to political discussions, with Kim Jong-un labeling it a "criminal act" and arresting several officials. After the vessel is assessed and repaired, naval experts speculate that North Korea may use this modern destroyer to strengthen its offensive reach and defense capability in politics and military strategies.
