North Korea Lifts Wrecked Warship Following Failed Launch: Source | Defense Updates

North Korea has lifted a capsized warship and docked it at a port in the country’s northeast for repairs after it was damaged during a failed launch in May, according to state media. The 5,000-ton destroyer is expected to be fully restored before a major communist party meeting later this month. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un described the incident as a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness” and four officials were arrested in connection with the accident. The ship is North Korea’s second known destroyer and is seen as a crucial asset in Kim’s efforts to modernize the country’s naval forces. South Korea’s military estimates that the new warship is equipped similarly to the Choe Hyon, which was unveiled last month and equipped with “the most powerful weapons.” Kim has framed the modernisation of his military as a response to threats from the US and South Korea, and has also stated that acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine is the next step in strengthening his country’s navy.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/6/6/north-korea-raises-capsized-warship-after-botched-launch-report?traffic_source=rss