North Korea’s New 5,000-Ton Destroyer Damaged at Launch Ceremony Attended by Kim Jong Un (video)

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un publicly rebuked military officials after a 5,000-ton destroyer malfunctioned during its launch, while he was watching.

CHONGJIN, North Korea — A newly unveiled 5,000-ton destroyer, hailed as a critical advancement in North Korea’s naval modernization, was severely damaged during its launch ceremony Wednesday in the northeastern port city of Chongjin. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un was in attendance as the incident unfolded, marking a significant setback in his campaign to strengthen the regime’s maritime and nuclear capabilities.

According to official reports, the accident occurred when the vessel slid off its ramp unevenly due to a malfunction involving the accompanying flatcar, which failed to move in sync with the ship. This misalignment caused the ship to tip and crush parts of its lower hull, rendering it immobilized in shallow waters. North Korean media did not confirm whether there were any injuries during the incident.

Kim Jong Un, who has repeatedly stressed the importance of building a nuclear-capable navy, sharply condemned the event. He labeled it a “serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.” He blamed military leaders, scientists, and shipyard workers, and called for an emergency meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party to address what he deemed unacceptable “errors.” A plenary meeting of the party’s Central Committee is now scheduled for late June.

In this photo provided by the North Korean government, its leader Kim Jong Un speaks during a launching ceremony of a new naval destroyer at a western port in Nampo, North Korea, on April 25, 2025.

The damaged vessel is believed to belong to the same class as the destroyer unveiled on April 25, which analysts had identified as North Korea’s largest and most advanced warship to date. That warship is equipped with multiple modern weapons systems, including anti-air and anti-ship platforms, and is reportedly capable of launching both ballistic and cruise missiles—potentially with nuclear payloads. Kim personally oversaw test launches from the April vessel, and it is expected to enter full operational service in early 2026.

South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff spokesperson Lee Sung Joon stated the newly damaged destroyer is likely fitted with similar systems. The vessel remains overturned in the sea near the shipyard, according to recent surveillance.

The brand new North Korean 5,000 ton destroyer has reportedly sunk during its launch ceremony

Kim Jong Un has positioned North Korea’s naval and nuclear expansions as necessary countermeasures to growing military cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and Japan. The North’s regime has condemned joint military exercises between its adversaries, claiming they represent existential threats. Kim has also stated that the next step in North Korea’s military evolution is the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine.

Military analysts believe the destroyer may have been developed with Russian technical assistance, a possibility that underscores growing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. North Korea has reportedly provided arms and personnel in support of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, raising concerns that Russia could, in return, supply North Korea with advanced weapons technology. Such collaboration would further exacerbate tensions on the Korean Peninsula and complicate efforts to curtail North Korea’s expanding nuclear arsenal.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un publicly rebuked military officials after a 5,000-ton destroyer malfunctioned during its launch, while he was watching.