North Korean Navy's New Destroyer Launch Fails Due to Reckless Error

chongjin - North Korea's new torpedo boat destroyer launch ends in disaster as the vessel slides off the ramp, causing severe damage, witnessed by leader Kim Jong-un.

North Korean Navy's New Torpedo Boat Launch Disaster

The launch of a new torpedo boat destroyer by the North Korean navy took a disastrous turn as the vessel slid off the ramp, resulting in significant damage. The incident occurred during a ceremony attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in the Chongjin port, along the Japan Sea coast.

Kim Jong-un's Response

Kim Jong-un condemned the incident as a 'crime' stemming from 'unbelievable recklessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism' that crossed acceptable boundaries.

Modernization Efforts

The new Choe Hyon-class destroyer is part of North Korea's naval modernization initiative, linked to its nuclear weapons program. The vessel, capable of carrying guided missiles, is the largest in the North Korean navy, weighing 5000 tons.

Geo-Political Context

Kim Jong-un justified the modernization citing perceived threats from South Korea and the US, as naval exercises are common in the Korean peninsula waters. Reports also suggest North Korea is developing a submarine capable of launching ballistic missiles.

The sideways launch of the destroyer, a first in North Korea according to reports, may have contributed to the accident.