In the wake of a failed launch that saw a warship capsize, North Korea has successfully refloated the vessel, which is now docked and undergoing repairs ahead of a key meeting with top officials.
North Korea Successfully Refloats Warship Following Launch Failure
North Korea Successfully Refloats Warship Following Launch Failure
North Korean military efforts regain momentum as a warship is restored after a dramatic setback.
North Korea has reportedly managed to refloat a warship—two weeks post its dramatic capsizing during an unsuccessful launch attempt—which drew sharp scrutiny from the nation's leader, Kim Jong Un. According to the state-run news agency KCNA, the 5,000-tonne destroyer was launched on Thursday, successfully "moored at the pier," and is expected to be fully operational shortly, ahead of an important meeting led by Kim with senior government officials.
Images from satellite-based research firms 38 North and NK News showcase the destroyer upright at the pier, subsequently observed "floating in the harbour" a few hours later. The manual effort to right the vessel involved workers utilizing tethers and barrage balloons to restore balance, with some of the balloons still noted to be attached.
Kim Jong Un, who personally witnessed the ship tip over during the oversight, openly criticized the incident as a "criminal act" that tarnished the nation's esteem. He condemned the mishap as a result of "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism," leading to the arrest of at least four officials, including Ri Hyong-son, deputy director in the Workers' Party's Munitions Industry Department. The infamy surrounding the incident raises concerns over potential severe repercussions, such as forced labor or even death for those found culpable.
Analysts interpret the drastic response as a reflection of Kim's commitment to strengthening North Korea's military prowess and protecting his image. Researcher Jihoon Yu from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses noted that this incident underscores the regime's investment in showcasing a formidable military. Michael Madden, a North Korea expert at the Stimson Center, attributes Kim's vigorous response to the high priority that developing naval capabilities holds for his regime. Just weeks before the mishap, North Korea had unveiled a similar warship heralded by Kim as a "breakthrough" in naval modernization, set for deployment early next year.
The ongoing military developments signal a tense atmosphere as North and South Korea navigate a constant state of competition.
Images from satellite-based research firms 38 North and NK News showcase the destroyer upright at the pier, subsequently observed "floating in the harbour" a few hours later. The manual effort to right the vessel involved workers utilizing tethers and barrage balloons to restore balance, with some of the balloons still noted to be attached.
Kim Jong Un, who personally witnessed the ship tip over during the oversight, openly criticized the incident as a "criminal act" that tarnished the nation's esteem. He condemned the mishap as a result of "absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism," leading to the arrest of at least four officials, including Ri Hyong-son, deputy director in the Workers' Party's Munitions Industry Department. The infamy surrounding the incident raises concerns over potential severe repercussions, such as forced labor or even death for those found culpable.
Analysts interpret the drastic response as a reflection of Kim's commitment to strengthening North Korea's military prowess and protecting his image. Researcher Jihoon Yu from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses noted that this incident underscores the regime's investment in showcasing a formidable military. Michael Madden, a North Korea expert at the Stimson Center, attributes Kim's vigorous response to the high priority that developing naval capabilities holds for his regime. Just weeks before the mishap, North Korea had unveiled a similar warship heralded by Kim as a "breakthrough" in naval modernization, set for deployment early next year.
The ongoing military developments signal a tense atmosphere as North and South Korea navigate a constant state of competition.
