North Korea announced the successful restoration and launch of a new 5,000-ton destroyer, just 23 days after it was damaged during its initial launch ceremony.
The Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the Workers’ Party of North Korea, reported that the launch ceremony for the second ship of the Choe Hyon-class destroyer took place at the Najin Shipyard on the East Coast on Friday. North Korean leader Kim Jon Un was in attendance.
The newly constructed vessel is the second destroyer of the Choe Hyon class (5,000 tons), following the first one launched at the Nampo Shipyard on the West Coast in April. It has been named Kang Kon, named after a South Korean-born first Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People’s Army who fought alongside Kim Il Sung in the anti-Japanese struggle and died during the Korean War.
The Kang Kon destroyer had previously capsized and sustained damage during its launch ceremony at the Chongjin Shipyard on the East Coast on May 21st. At that time, Kim Jong Un reportedly expressed fury, reprimanding officials and ordering the ship’s restoration before the upcoming plenary meeting of the Workers’ Party scheduled for later this month.
In his commemorative speech, Kim acknowledged the absurd turn of events that momentarily compromised state dignity due to sheer irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism. However, he emphasized that no obstacles could impede the critical path of strengthening naval power, describing it as essential nourishment for the progress and advancement of the shipbuilding industry.
Kim went on to showcase North Korea’s technological capabilities, stating that they were able to construct the destroyer not only because of their strong will but also due to their robust internal capabilities and advanced technology that practically guarantee its realization.
According to the newspaper, Kim outlined plans for a radical strengthening of maritime forces as part of their national defense strategy. He declared that starting next year, they will construct two Choe Hyon-class destroyers or larger annually and deploy them to operational waters. This aligns with the North Korean Navy’s doctrine, which holds that the ability to attack is crucial for deterring aggression.
The Rodong Sinmun particularly highlighted advancements in radar system research, claiming significant progress achieved through rigorous standards and objectives. It emphasized that this development extends beyond shipboard sensors, serving as a solid foundation for a technological revolution across all areas of weapons development and production.
The newspaper also noted the development of a comprehensive onboard weapon integration management system, which it said has set the direction for the application and advancement of artificial intelligence technology in combat environments.
Tragically, it was revealed that an official died from overwork during the destroyer’s restoration process. Kim expressed condolences to the family of Jo Chumhyok, head of the modernization workshop at the Chongjin Shipyard, who dedicated himself to the construction efforts despite his poor health and ultimately sacrificed his life for today’s achievement.
Jo Chun Ryong, the party secretary overseeing military supplies, delivered the launch commemorative speech. The Rodong Sinmun reported that he expressed profound emotion at finally being able to float the second new destroyer, which will join the ranks of the Republic’s maritime defense forces, and report this achievement to the upcoming Central Committee plenary meeting.
Jo described the new multipurpose destroyer as a proactive deterrent capability for maritime defense. He boasted that it is equipped with comprehensive power, developed and enhanced uniquely, capable of delivering annihilating retaliatory strikes against hostile forces that challenge the nation’s sovereignty and infringe upon its rights to peace and prosperity, whether in the East Sea or the Pacific Ocean.
During the ceremony, Defense Minister No Kwang Chol announced the Workers’ Party Central Military Commission’s order, signed by Kim Jong Un, regarding the destroyer’s classification and naming. The ship’s classification and naming certificate were then presented to the commander of the East Sea Fleet.