North Korean Naval Mishap: Kim Jong-un’s Wrath
A recent launch of a North Korean warship ended in disaster, reportedly infuriating leader Kim Jong-un. The 5,000-ton vessel failed during its launch last week, an event experts attribute, in part, to the use of a novel side-release technique.
The Failed Launch: A Breakdown
- Unprecedented Technique: Analysts noted this was the first time North Korea had attempted a side release for a warship.
- Possible Causes: Lack of experience with the technique and
Kim’s Political pressure for Results rapid
are cited as potential factors. - Purge: Following the incident, three shipyard officials, including the chief engineer, and a high-ranking ammunition employee were arrested.
- Kim’s Reaction: Kim Jong-un reportedly classified the incident as a
criminal act,
according to the KCNA news agency.
visual Evidence and Analysis
Satellite images taken three days before the launch show the 140-meter ship, the largest warship class built by Pyongyang, positioned on a launch ramp. A nearby structure, believed to be an observation area for Kim Jong-un, was under construction.
Location and Manufacturing Challenges
The destroyer was constructed in Chongjin, a port city on North Korea’s northeast coast known for producing smaller vessels. Analysts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) suggest that the location indicates a lack of experience in building and launching large warships.
The vessel was evaluated by analysts as having the same size and configuration of the Choe Hyon guided missile destroyer, the first of North Korea and the most powerful surface ship the country has ever built.
Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS)
This vessel is part of Kim’s plan to modernize his Soviet-era naval fleet.
The Accomplished Launch of Choe Hyun
The Choe Hyun destroyer was launched successfully last month in namo, a port near Pyongyang. State media images showed a celebratory event with Kim Jong-un and his daughter, kim Ju-AE, in attendance.
Choi Il, a retired South Korean navy captain, explained the technique used for the Choe Hyun launch:
They seem to have built Choe Hyun inside a namo-covered building shed, brought out in a floating dry dike and than placed the drift allowing the water to the dry dike.
Choi Il, Retired South Korean Navy Captain
The Chongjin Mishap: A Different Approach
The Chongjin shipyard lacked the facilities to replicate the Choe Hyun launch.Engineers opted for a lateral launch from the pier.
Pro Tip
Lateral launches require precise balance.The weight of heavy weaponry on the destroyer may have elaborate the process.
According to state media, the destroyer lost balance during the launch. Satellite images showed the ship lying on its side, partially submerged, with the observation platform removed.
Aftermath and Analysis
North Korea claims it can restore the ship’s balance by pumping out seawater. However,experts like Yang Uk from the ASAN Institute of Political Studies in Seoul believe the damage is more severe.
The ship looks a bit twisted after the accident.It dose not seem to have been built with the structural resistance necessary for a warship.
Yang Uk, ASAN Institute of Political Studies
Yang Uk suggests the accident may stem from both a flawed launch system and structural imbalances in the ship’s design.
Did You Know?
Kim Jong-un has been pushing for rapid naval expansion, potentially leading to rushed production and increased risk of accidents.