A catastrophic failure during its launch has dealt a significant blow to North Korea’s naval ambitions, raising questions about Kim Jong Un’s confidence in his military advancements.
North Korea’s Naval Ambitions: A Stumbling Block for Kim Jong Un
The Failed Launch of the New Warship
North Korea’s second naval destroyer, a 5,000-ton-class vessel, suffered a catastrophic failure during its launch from the northeastern port of Chongjin on Wednesday. The ship became unbalanced and was punctured in its bottom sections after a transport cradle on the stern section slid off first and became stuck.
The North Korean Navy, also known as the Korean People's Navy, is a branch of the Korean People's Army.
It operates approximately 400 ships, including submarines, destroyers, and patrol boats.
The navy has been modernized in recent years with the acquisition of advanced Russian and Chinese vessels.
Its primary role is to protect North Korea's maritime borders and support its naval operations.
The navy also participates in joint exercises with other countries, including China and Russia.
A Blame Game
Kim Jong Un, the North Korean leader, blamed military officials, scientists, and shipyard operators for the ‘serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.‘ The incident has raised questions about Kim’s confidence in his naval advancement program and whether he is overestimating his country’s military capabilities.
A Significant Asset or a Major Embarrassment?
The damaged vessel was likely in the same class as the country’s first destroyer, unveiled April 25, which experts assessed as the North’s largest and most advanced warship to date. Kim had called the first vessel, named Choe Hyon, a significant asset for advancing his goal of expanding the military’s operational range and nuclear strike capabilities.
A Booming Military Partnership with Russia?
South Korean officials and experts believe that the Choe Hyon destroyer was likely built with Russian assistance, given the two countries’ booming military partnerships. While North Korea’s naval forces are considered inferior to South Korea’s, analysts still view the destroyer as a serious security threat, enhancing the country’s offensive and defensive capabilities.
A Continuing Arms Buildup
Kim has framed the arms buildup as a response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies in Asia, who have been expanding joint military exercises amid rising tensions over the North’s nuclear program. He says the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening his navy.
A Streak of Weapons-Testing Activities
Hours after releasing the report on the damaged destroyer, ‘North Korea fired multiple cruise missiles from an area near the northeastern town of Sondok,’ according to South Korea’s military. The launches were a continuation of a streak of weapons-testing activities by North Korea in recent years.
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea, has been developing its nuclear program since the 1980s.
The country claims it needs nuclear weapons for self-defense, but the international community is concerned about its military ambitions.
North Korea has conducted several nuclear tests, including a hydrogen bomb test in 2017.
The program is led by the Korean Workers' Party and is supported by China, which provides significant economic aid to the regime.
According to estimates, North Korea has developed around 30-60 nuclear warheads.
