Pyongyang: North Korea has relaunched its 5,000-tonne naval destroyer after it capsized during its initial launch attempt last month. The relaunch, confirmed by state media, was overseen by leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae at Rajin Port, reinforcing the country’s continued push to modernise its navy.
The destroyer, one of two new vessels launched by Pyongyang this year, is now among the largest ships in the North Korean fleet. Designed with the theoretical capability to launch nuclear weapons, the vessel is a key component of Kim’s ambition to build a nuclear-armed navy.
Following the failed launch in May, Kim reportedly reacted with fury and ordered the immediate restoration of the ship. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the incident led to the arrest of four individuals, three shipyard officials and one senior authority figure.
Despite KCNA’s claim that the warship has been fully restored, military analysts remain sceptical, noting the rapid turnaround time. Satellite imagery supports the vessel’s movement from its capsized position to a repair site, and eventually back to the water.
Kim, speaking at the relaunch ceremony, emphasised that the setback had not slowed the country’s defence plans. “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 was quoted.
North Korea also plans to build two more destroyers of this class in the coming year, underlining its efforts to expand naval capabilities amid broader military modernisation goals.
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