North Korean authorities have detained three officials from the Chongjin Shipyard following the failed launch of a 5,000-ton destroyer, which leader Kim Jong Un attributed to “criminal negligence.” The incident occurred during a launch ceremony attended by Kim, where the transport cradle detached, causing the vessel to tip and become partially submerged. This mishap marks a significant embarrassment for Kim, who aims to expand North Korea’s naval capabilities to counter perceived U.S. military threats.
The vessel is North Korea’s second known destroyer, launched just a month after its first, with both ships representing the nation’s largest and most advanced warships designed to carry a variety of weapons, including nuclear missiles. Following the launch failure, North Korean law enforcement detained the chief engineer, the head of the hull construction workshop, and the deputy manager for administrative affairs. The shipyard manager was also summoned for questioning.
Kim criticized military and technical personnel for what he called a “criminal act” stemming from negligence and poor scientific methodology. The Central Military Commission echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that those accountable would face serious consequences.
While North Korea downplayed the incident, claiming the damage was limited to scratches and minor flooding, international observers have speculated that the situation is more severe than reported. The state claimed it would take approximately ten days to conduct repairs, although many doubt the accuracy of this timeline. The incident poses a setback for Kim’s ambitions in strengthening military capabilities amid ongoing international tensions.
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