North Korea’s new destroyer damaged in failed launch, drawing Kim Jong Un’s ire

North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un was left fuming this week after attending the failed launch of a new 5,000-ton naval destroyer in Chongjin. The launch, intended to showcase North Korea’s military advancement, ended in embarrassment as the ship slid off a ramp and became stuck, according to state media reports.

The mishap occurred when the flatcar failed to move alongside the ship, throwing it off balance and causing damage to the ship’s bottom. The stern slid down the launch slipway while the bow section failed to leave the ramp, leaving the ship in a precarious position. It is unclear the extent of the damage or if there were any injuries resulting from the failed launch.

Kim, who was present at the ceremony, expressed his displeasure and blamed military officials, scientists, and shipyard operators for the “serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.” He vowed to investigate the errors at a ruling Workers’ Party meeting scheduled for late June and insisted on the unconditional restoration of the destroyer before the meeting.

Despite the embarrassing incident, Kim reportedly wanted to publicly report on the mishap to showcase North Korea’s commitment to modernizing its navy forces. Navy expert Moon Keun-sik suggested that the incident occurred due to a lack of familiarity with such large warships and rushed efforts to put it in the water.

This failed launch was the second attempt at launching a naval destroyer in a month. The first launch in Nampo on the west coast of North Korea was successful, with Kim watching missiles being fired from the ship. Experts believe that both ships are designed to carry weapons systems, including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles.

Kim has been ramping up North Korea’s military capabilities in response to perceived threats from the U.S. and South Korea. In recent months, he oversaw tests of AI-powered suicide drones and called for increased production. North Korea also revealed plans for a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, posing a major security threat to the region.

Additionally, North Korea has reportedly sent thousands of military personnel to fight alongside Russia in the war against Ukraine, marking its first involvement in a large-scale conflict since the Korean War. The South Korean military estimates that thousands of North Korean troops have been killed or wounded in the fighting.

Despite the setbacks and challenges, Kim remains focused on enhancing North Korea’s military capabilities and maintaining a strong defense posture. The failed launch of the naval destroyer serves as a reminder of the complexities and risks involved in such endeavors.