SEOUL-North Korea’s pursuit of a modernized navy faced a setback this week when its second naval destroyer sustained damage during a launch event. State media acknowledged the incident Thursday, a rare admission of a military-related failure. The disclosure came as leader Kim Jong Un has been pushing for larger warships to counter what he describes as escalating threats from the United States and its allies.

While acknowledging the setback,observers suggest that Kim’s willingness to publicize the failed launch indicates his commitment to naval advancement and his confidence in eventually achieving his objectives.

The mishap at Chongjin Port

The incident occurred Wednesday at the northeastern port of Chongjin. During the launching ceremony, the newly constructed 5,000-ton-class destroyer became unstable. According to the korean Central News Agency (KCNA),a transport cradle on the stern section slid off prematurely and became lodged,causing punctures to the ship’s bottom sections.

KCNA did not elaborate on the cause of the incident, the extent of the damage, or whether any injuries were sustained.

Kim Jong Un, who attended the ceremony, reportedly blamed military officials, scientists, and shipyard operators for what he termed a serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism. He has called for a Workers’ Party meeting in late June to address these irresponsible errors, according to KCNA.

Advanced warship, Troubled Launch

the damaged vessel is believed to be of the same class as North Korea’s first destroyer, unveiled last month.Experts have described that ship as the nation’s largest and most advanced warship to date. Kim named the first vessel Choe Hyon, after a Korean guerilla fighter from the Japanese colonial period, and hailed it as a crucial asset for expanding the military’s operational reach and nuclear strike capabilities.

State media reported that the Choe Hyon is designed to carry advanced weapons systems, including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Kim stated that the ship was expected to be operational early next year and later supervised test firings of missiles from the warship.

Satellite imagery confirms the damage. lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicated Thursday that the damaged vessel likely possesses similar systems and remains capsized in the sea. An Associated Press analysis of Planet Labs PBC images from Thursday revealed the ship partially submerged on its side, covered with tarpaulins.

Earlier satellite images had shown the construction of the second destroyer at the Chongjin shipyard.

Analysis and Implications

Moon Keun-sik, a navy expert at Seoul’s Hanyang University, suggested that the disclosure of the incident reflects North Korea’s determination to modernize its navy. It’s a shameful thing. But the reason why North Korea disclosed the incident is it wants to show it’s speeding up the modernization of its navy forces and expresses its confidence that it can eventually build a greater navy.

Moon speculated that the accident likely occurred due to the inexperience of North Korean workers with such large warships and the pressure to expedite the launch.

A report by the 38 North website noted that the destroyer in chongjin was being prepared for a sideways launch, a method rarely used in North Korea.In contrast, the previous destroyer launched at the Nampo shipyard used a floating dry dock.

South korean officials and experts beleive the Choe Hyon destroyer was likely built with Russian assistance,reflecting the growing military partnership between the two countries. While North Korea’s naval forces are considered inferior to those of its rivals, analysts suggest that the destroyer, equipped with nuclear-capable missiles and an advanced radar system, would enhance the North’s offensive and defensive capabilities.

Kim has framed the arms buildup as a response to perceived threats from the United States and South Korea, which have been expanding joint military exercises. He has also stated that acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine is his next major goal for strengthening the North Korean navy.

Cruise Missile tests Follow Setback

Hours after reporting the damaged destroyer,North korea test-fired multiple cruise missiles from an area approximately 185 miles south of Chongjin,according to South Korea’s military. These launches continue a pattern of weapons-testing activities by North Korea in recent years. South Korean and U.S.intelligence authorities are analyzing the launches.