The Chongjin Shipyard in North Korea witnessed a disastrous blow. While observing, North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un watched a newly constructed 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer experience a disastrous failure during its launching ceremony. The ship’s stern slipped forward too early in the water while the bow got stuck onto the slipway, tilting the ship severely and incurring heavy hull damages. Satellite imagery from Planet Labs PBC and Maxar Technologies revealed the ship lying onto its side and half-submerged and covered with blue tarpaulins to cover up the damages.
North Korea has aggressively modernized its fleet, working towards transforming its coastal defense force into a “blue-water” force capable of operation in open waters. The Choe Hyon-class destroyers, so-named in honor of a Korean guerrilla warrior, are the focus of this ambition. The first destroyer launched successfully in April 2025 at Nampo is said to have vertical launch missile system and advanced radars, and is reportedly built possibly with the assistance of Russia. They are built to boost North Korea’s offensive and defense capabilities, including the ability to carry missiles with nuclear capability.
The launching used a side-launch method, a high-risk technique used sparingly in North Korea since the Chongjin Shipyard does not have an inclined ramp, according to 38 North. The technique needs careful coordination, and this broke down when the transport cradle carrying the stern toppled first and the bow remained stuck in the dry dock. The uneven force crushed the hull resulting in seawater penetration and catastrophic structural damage. Analysts say they think inexperience in handling big warships and hasty preparations are the cause of the accident.
Kim Jong Un, present at the ceremony, labeled the incident a “criminal act” caused by “absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism,” according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). He ordered urgent repairs before the Workers’ Party meeting in late June, framing the restoration as a matter of national prestige. This rare public admission of failure suggests Kim’s intent to control the narrative and project resolve.
North Korean authorities swiftly launched investigations, arresting officials including the Chongjin shipyard manager, Hong Kil Ho. The Central Military Commission emphasized that those responsible
“can never evade their responsibility for the crime”.
Institutions such as the Department of Munitions Industry, Kim Chaek University of Technology, and the Central Ship Design Institute were singled out for blame. Given North Korea’s history of harsh disciplinary measures, analysts speculate that severe punishments, potentially including executions, may follow.
Experts like Yang Uk from the Asan Institute for Policy Studies described the destroyer as Kim’s “pride and political achievement,” suggesting the accident indicates design or execution flaws. Center for Strategic and International Studies noted operation would constitute a significant capability upgrade if it succeeds based on the Choe Hyon design. Satellite imagery also featured prominently with the May 22, 2025 photos catching the capsized ship, adding to the seriousness of the situation.
The incident exposes technical limitations in North Korea’s shipbuilding capabilities, potentially delaying its naval modernization. The suspected Russian involvement, evidenced by design similarities with Russian ships, highlights growing military cooperation, raising concerns amid North Korea’s support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Kim frames this buildup as a response to perceived threats from the US and South Korea, who have intensified joint military exercises. The failure may cast doubt on North Korea’s military readiness, impacting its strategic posturing in the region.
This disaster is greater than a technological mishap; it’s a blow to the national image and the legitimacy of Kim’s rule. Public admission, novel to a reclusive regime, serves to consolidate the leadership of Kim while shifting responsibility. This event can stretch the North Korean resources thin in the haste to make the repairs and will also make the international community watch carefully as it impacts its naval ambitions and relations with Russia. While the entire region remains tense, this incident points to the risks and difficulties of North Korea’s military ambitions.
North Korea’s ill-fated launching of its second Choe Hyon-class destroyer is a public and unusual failure that identifies both technological and political setbacks. The regime’s responsiveness to the failure through calls to investigate and rectify is indicative of the regime’s intolerance towards failure in prestige projects.
The incident, confirmed through satellite imagery, casts a spotlight on North Korea’s shipbuilding processes and dependency upon international support, specifically from Russia. While the regime seeks to refit the vessel and its image, the international community will pay special attention to the regional security implications as well as North Korea’s military ambitions.
