North Korea Relaunches Repaired Destroyer Amid Naval Expansion Push

 

North Korea has announced the successful relaunch of its second destroyer after repairing damage sustained during a failed attempt last month. The vessel was launched into the waters off the country’s east coast on Thursday, with leader Kim Jong Un in attendance, underscoring the destroyer’s strategic importance in North Korea’s growing naval ambitions.

According to state media, Kim hailed the destroyer — the second of its kind built this year — as a major step forward in strengthening the country’s naval power. He emphasized that both warships would play a significant role in enhancing the North Korean navy’s operational capacity and long-range capabilities.

Kim also reiterated his position that the North’s military buildup is a necessary response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies in the region. He warned that any provocation would be met with “overwhelming military action,” and reaffirmed his commitment to building a navy capable of extended operations far from North Korean shores.

Last month’s failed launch of the same destroyer had reportedly sparked anger from Kim, who described the incident as a result of “criminal negligence.” In response, North Korean authorities detained four senior officials, including the vice director of the ruling Workers’ Party’s munitions industry department.

Though the full extent of the destroyer’s damage was never independently verified — due to the country’s opaque nature — some analysts had questioned North Korea’s claim that such a complex warship could be repaired so quickly. Nevertheless, the repaired vessel has now officially returned to the water, adding to North Korea’s growing fleet.

The warship is believed to be part of a 5,000-ton class, the same as the first destroyer launched in April at the western port of Nampo. That vessel, widely considered the country’s most sophisticated warship to date, was praised by Kim for advancing his vision of a navy equipped for expanded operations and enhanced nuclear strike capabilities.

The relaunch signals Kim's unwavering focus on modernizing North Korea’s military forces, with an emphasis on maritime strength — a domain traditionally considered a weak point in the country's military portfolio.