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New satellite imagery offers a detailed look at the North Korean destroyer damaged in a failed launch that infuriated Kim Jong Un, who was present during the incident.
The 5,000-ton warship appears to be keeled over, stuck on a slideway in the northeast city of Chongjin, and may be partially submerged, analysts say.
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Why It Matters
The destroyer is the second to be constructed following the launch of the Cho Hyon, which North Korea unveiled with much acclaim in late April and which has since begun weapons systems testing.
The Kim regime has stepped up efforts to modernize its armed forces, including its United Nations-sanctioned nuclear weapons program and ballistic missile fleet, citing “provocations” by the U.S. and Washington’s South Korean and Japanese allies.
Newsweek reached out to the North Korean embassy in Beijing by email with a request for comment.
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What To Know
During Thursday’s launch, the bottom of the destroyer’s hull was pierced after a transport cradle beneath the stern section slid off and became stuck, according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
Images supplied to Newsweek by U.S. commercial satellite firm Planet confirmed the ship was resting in an awkward position at Chongjin’s Hambuk Shipyard Thursday, partially covered by blue tarpaulins to mask the damage.
A higher-definition image captured by Germany-based Airbus Defence and Space shows the vessel listing heavily to starboard.
North Korea’s latest naval destroyer has been significantly damaged prior to its launch. In a rare acknowledgment, North Korea’s state news agency KCNA reported yesterday an incident occurred with a new destroyer in Chongjin, which was close to being launched. pic.twitter.com/0PfuqehYnF
— Open Source Centre (@osc_london) May 22, 2025
“Vessel now covered, but angle consistent with reporting bow got stuck on slideway. It is likely the vessel may be on its side or at least partially submerged,” Joseph Dempsey, research associate for defense and military analysis at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“North Korea’s admission of failure is rare but would have likely been undeniable once satellite imagery revealed the extent of the ‘serious accident,'” he added.
What People Are Saying
The Korean Central News Agency reported: “Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un made a stern assessment, saying that it was a serious accident and criminal act caused by sheer carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism which should never occur and could not be tolerated.”
Sidharth Kaushal, Senior Research Fellow at London-based Royal United Services Institute think tank, was quoted by X account Open Source Centre as saying: “The Choe Hyon class represents North Korea’s most ambitious naval project to date and its construction was a departure from practice for a navy historically focused on its littorals.”
What Happens Next
Kim called for the destroyer to be restored as soon as possible, setting a deadline for completion ahead of the key June meeting of the Workers’ Party of Korea’s Central Committee, according to KCNA. He stressed that the issue was not only a practical one but also a political matter tied to state prestige.
In a speech delivered in late April, the leader announced plans to begin construction of additional warships in 2026, including a cruiser and various escort vessels.
