In an incident still under investigation, the second of North Korea’s new missile destroyers sustained serious damage following a failed launch maneuver. In an unprecedented move, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed the event, which affected the new vessel, though it provided no details regarding the cause of the incident or the extent of the damage to the hull. Satellite images reveal that the ship is partially submerged and listing.
Currently, the North Korean Navy is working to introduce new vessels as part of a modernization program aimed at strengthening its surface fleet in response to what Pyongyang describes as “the growing threat led by the United States.” Within this context, the Kim Jong-un regime has moved forward with the construction of a new series of domestically built ships, featuring significant technological upgrades over previous classes.
Evidence of this came on April 27, when North Korea unveiled and launched the new and modern destroyer Choe Hyon at the Nampho shipyard. Based on viral images, the vessel appears to have ballistic missile launch capability. Subsequently, various missile launches of different types were reportedly conducted from the ship.
According to the North Korean regime, the guided missile destroyer has an estimated displacement of around 5,000 tons, though no further specifics regarding the hull’s dimensions were provided. In terms of design—despite being designated a “destroyer”—its reported displacement places it in the category of multi-role frigates. Nevertheless, the designation by the North Korean Navy is likely tied to its reported anti-air, anti-surface, and land-attack capabilities. Kim Jong-un has stated that the vessel is expected to enter service in early next year.
Following this, the destroyer involved in the failed launch at the Hambuk shipyard in Chongjin is believed to belong to the same class, marking a significant leap in the country’s shipbuilding capabilities. However, its future remains uncertain pending an assessment of the damage. According to satellite imagery captured by South Korea, the ship is visibly listing, diagonally positioned relative to the pier, with much of the hull submerged and covered by blue tarps. KCNA reported that the ship became destabilized when the transport cradle under the stern slid first, causing it to become stuck.
Finally, some analysts have noted that, unlike the first destroyer—launched via a floating dock at the Nampho shipyard—the second was launched sideways from a pier, a technique rarely used in North Korea.
Illustrative image – credit as applicable.
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