North Korea Initiates Comprehensive Investigation Following Destroyer Launch Setback

Screengrab from a YouTube video by CRUX

North Korea is diving deep into an investigation following the botched launch of its second 5,000-ton destroyer earlier this week.

The mishap occurred during a launch event on May 21 at Chongjin’s northeastern port when the transport cradle unexpectedly detached from the ship’s rear. This caused parts of the warship to lose stability and topple into the water, with satellite images later revealing it lying on its side, covered in blue tarps.

Initially, state media claimed that sections of the hull were crushed. Though, further inspections showed no meaningful breaches; rather, there were just scratches on one side and some seawater intrusion through a rescue channel at the back.

Authorities have as downplayed concerns about damage, suggesting repairs could wrap up in about ten days. Yet Kim Jong Un—who was present for the launch—didn’t hold back his disappointment. He lambasted military officials and shipyard workers for what he called an “unforgivable blunder stemming from sheer negligence.”

Video Credits: CRUX/X

The Central Military Commission has called in Hong Kil Ho, who oversees operations at Chongjin shipyard, for questioning as part of their inquiry.

However, experts are raising eyebrows over Pyongyang’s optimistic damage report. satellite imagery and autonomous assessments hint at more serious structural problems; some analysts even speculate that flooding might have affected critical areas like the engine room. They suggest that actual repairs could stretch out over several months or longer.

Military analysts attribute this incident to a lack of experience with launching larger vessels. The new destroyer is believed to be akin to last month’s Choe Hyon model and represents north Korea’s most sophisticated naval asset yet.

This latest attempt utilized an unconventional sideways launching technique—a method unfamiliar to North korean builders who typically work with smaller fishing boats or cargo ships.

Observers from South Korea and beyond think North Korea might be leveraging this incident as a way to tighten discipline within its ranks while reinforcing Kim Jong un’s authority over military production efforts.

References: SCMP, YNA