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Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
North Korea appears to hide sunken warship under tarpaulins
The first pictures have emerged of a North Korean warship seemingly covered in tarpaulin after it capsized and sank in front of dictator Kim Jong Un. Satellite images appear to show the naval destroyer languishing on its side alongside the dock where a launch ceremony had been held. But the launch failed, and analysis of pictures taken on Thursday suggest the ship is now partially submerged and covered with bright blue tarpaulins in an apparent attempt to conceal the wreckage. State media said the the 5,000-ton ship, which had been due to enter service next year, is designed to carry weapons systems including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said that the damaged vessel was likely equipped with similar systems and remains toppled over in the sea. The failed launch sparked fury from Kim Jong Un, who wants bigger warships to deal with what he calls escalating US-led threats against his country. He declared the mishap a 'criminal act caused by absolute carelessness' that 'could not be tolerated'. He has ordered the destroyer to be restored before a June party meeting, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). It's not common for North Korea to acknowledge military-related setbacks, but observers say the disclosure of the failed ship launch suggests that Kim is serious about meeting his objectives in his naval advancement programme. 'It's a shameful thing. But the reason why North Korea disclosed the incident is it wants to show it's speeding up the modernization of its navy forces and expresses its confidence that it can eventually build" a greater navy, said Moon Keun-sik, a navy expert who teaches at Seoul's Hanyang University. Moon suspected the incident likely happened because North Korean workers aren't yet familiar with such a large warship and were rushed to put it in the water. Kim reportedly said of the blunder: 'This is a serious accident and criminal act that could not have happened and could not be tolerated due to pure carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism,' the agency reported. He continued: 'The urgent restoration of the destroyer is not a simple practical issue, but a political issue directly related to the authority of the country. It must be completed unconditionally before the June plenary session of the Central Committee of the Party', he added. The ship that held the launching ceremony this time appears to be of the same class as the 5,000-ton destroyer Choi Hyun-ho that North Korea launched last month. In April Kim unveiled a nuclear-capable naval destroyer that he says will bolster North Korea's ability to defend itself in the face of perceived aggression from the US and its regional allies. The North Korean leader attended the warship's launch ceremony at the western port of Nampo with his teenage daughter Kim Ju Ae, according to state-run media. Ju Ae has been widely regarded by analysts as the likely successor to Kim since she was referred to as a 'great person of guidance' in an official report last year. Kim said the 5,000-ton vessel would bolster efforts to expand the operational range and preemptive strike capabilities of his nuclear-armed military. The 'multi-purpose' destroyer, designed to handle a variety of arms including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, was touted as the first in a new class of heavily armed warships. Kim, who has framed the arms buildup as a response to the supposed danger posed by the US and its allies in Asia, said the destroyer would be handed over to the navy early next year before beginning active duty. Jo Chun Ryong, a secretary in the ruling Workers' party, claimed the ship was equipped with the 'most powerful weapons' and was built 'within 400-odd days'. Kim also took aim at efforts by the US and South Korea to expand joint military exercises and update their nuclear deterrence strategies, which he portrayed as preparations for war. He vowed to 'respond decisively to this geopolitical crisis and ongoing developments,' the Korean Central News Agency reported. There was no immediate comment from South Korea's military on the revelation of the new warship. Want more stories like this from the Daily Mail? Hit the follow button above for more of the news you need.
CBS News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Kim Jong Un fumes as North Korea's new warship damaged due to "absolute carelessness" in launch accident
Seoul, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un vented fury at his own military and other officials Wednesday after his country's second naval destroyer was damaged in a failed launch that he was there to witness, state media reported Thursday. Kim wants bigger warships to deal with what he calls escalating U.S.-led threats against his country, amid a long-simmering standoff over his nuclear weapons. It is uncommon for North Korea to acknowledge military-related setbacks or accidents, and observers say the disclosure of the failed ship launch suggests Kim is serious about his naval advancement program and confident of ultimately achieving that objective. During a launching event at the northeastern port of Chongjin on Wednesday, the newly built 5,000-ton-class destroyer became unbalanced and was punctured in its bottom sections after a transport cradle on the stern section slid off first and became stuck, according to the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency. KCNA didn't provide details on what caused the problem, the severity of the damage or whether anyone was injured. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attends a ceremony for the launch of a "new multipurpose destroyer," as per the state-run KCNA news agency, in Nampo, North Korea, in a handout photo released on April 26, 2025, by KCNA. The agency said Kim was on hand for a second launch event of another destroyer on May 21, 2025, which ended in an accident that damaged the brand new vessel. KCNA/Reuters According to KCNA, Kim, who was present at the ceremony, blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for a "serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism." Kim called for a ruling Workers' Party meeting slated for late June to address their "irresponsible errors." "It's a shameful thing. But the reason why North Korea disclosed the incident is it wants to show it's speeding up the modernization of its navy forces and expresses its confidence that it can eventually build" a greater navy, said Moon Keun-sik, a navy expert who teaches at Seoul's Hanyang University. Moon suspected the incident likely happened because North Korean workers aren't yet familiar with such a large warship and were rushed to put it in the water. The damaged vessel was likely the same class as the country's first destroyer unveiled last month, which experts assessed as North Korea's largest and most advanced warship to date. Kim called the first vessel, named Choe Hyon — a famed Korean guerilla fighter during the Japanese colonial period — a significant asset for advancing his goal of expanding the military's operational range and nuclear strike capabilities. A view of a "new multipurpose destroyer," as per state media KCNA's reports, in Nampo, North Korea, in this handout picture released on April 26, 2025, by the Korean Central News Agency. KCNA/Reuters State media described that ship as designed to carry weapons systems including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Kim said the ship was expected to enter active duty early next year and later supervised test-firings of missiles from the warship. Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday that the damaged vessel was likely equipped with similar systems and remains toppled over in the sea. Satellite images from Planet Labs PBC appeared to show the vessel rolled onto its side, positioned diagonally from the dock, with most of its hull submerged and draped in blue covers. A satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows what appear to be blue tarps covering a North Korean destroyer after it suffered a failed launch, in Chongjin, North Korea, May 22, 2025. Planet Labs PBC via AP Earlier commercial satellite images indicated that the country was building its second destroyer at a shipyard in Chongjin. Beyond Parallel, a website run by the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said the satellite imagery of Chongjin's Hambuk shipyard on May 12 showed that a second vessel in the Choe Hyon-class of guided missile destroyers was under construction. A report by the North Korea-focused 38 North website assessed last week that the destroyer in Chongjin was being prepared to be launched sideways from the quay, a method that has been rarely used in North Korea. The report said the previous destroyer launched at the western shipyard of Nampo, in contrast, used a floating dry dock. A satellite image from Planet Labs PBC shows a North Korean destroyer before it is put to sea in Chongjin, North Korea, May 20, 2025. Planet Labs PBC via AP South Korean officials and experts say the Choe Hyon destroyer was likely built with Russian assistance as the two countries' military partnerships are booming. North Korea has provided Russia's Vladimir Putin with equipment and even soldiers to aid in his ongoing invasion of neighboring Ukraine. While North Korea's naval forces are considered far inferior to those of its rivals, analysts say the destroyer with nuclear-capable missiles and an advanced radar system would still enhance the North's offensive and defensive capabilities. Kim has framed the arms buildup as a response to perceived threats from the United States and South Korea, which have been expanding joint military exercises in response to the North's advancing nuclear program. In April, the U.S. military flew long-range B-1B bombers over the Korean Peninsula in joint exercise with the South, in a show of force against North Korea days after Kim's powerful sister vowed to resist a U.S.-led push to eliminate the Pyongyang's nuclear program He says the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening the North Korean navy. Hours after releasing the report on the damaged destroyer, North Korea test-fired multiple cruise missiles from an area about 300 kilometers (185 miles) south of Chongjin, according to South Korea's military. The launches were a continuation of a streak of weapons-testing activities by North Korea in recent years. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launches were being analyzed by South Korean and U.S. intelligence authorities.
Arab News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
North Korea's second naval destroyer damaged in a failed launch attended by Kim Jong Un
SEOUL: North Korea's second naval destroyer was damaged in a failed launch this week, state media reported Thursday, sparking fury from leader Kim Jong Un, who wants bigger warships to deal with what he calls escalating US-led threats against his not common for North Korea to acknowledge military-related setbacks, but observers say the disclosure of the failed ship launch suggests that Kim is serious about his naval advancement program and confident of ultimately achieving that a launching event at the northeastern port of Chongjin on Wednesday, the newly built 5,000-tonne-class destroyer became unbalanced and was punctured in its bottom sections after a transport cradle on the stern section slid off first and became stuck, according to the Korean Central News didn't provide details on what caused the problem, the severity of the damage or whether anyone was to KCNA, Kim, who was present at the ceremony, blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for a 'serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.' Kim called for a ruling Workers' Party meeting slated for late June to address their 'irresponsible errors.'The destroyers are North Korea's most advanced warships'It's a shameful thing. But the reason why North Korea disclosed the incident is it wants to show it's speeding up the modernization of its navy forces and expresses its confidence that it can eventually build' a greater navy, said Moon Keun-sik, a navy expert who teaches at Seoul's Hanyang suspected the incident likely happened because North Korean workers aren't yet familiar with such a large warship and were rushed to put it in the damaged vessel was likely the same class as the country's first destroyer unveiled last month, which experts assessed as North Korea's largest and most advanced warship to date. Kim called the first vessel, named Choe Hyon – a famed Korean guerilla fighter during the Japanese colonial period – a significant asset for advancing his goal of expanding the military's operational range and nuclear strike media described that ship as designed to carry weapons systems including nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Kim said the ship was expected to enter active duty early next year and later supervised test-firings of missiles from the photos show the partially submerged destroyerLee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Thursday that the damaged vessel was likely equipped with similar systems and remains toppled over in the sea. An Associated Press analysis of Planet Labs PBC images taken Thursday showed the ship partially submerged on its side with tarpaulins draped over the commercial satellite images indicated that the country was building its second destroyer at a shipyard in Parallel, a website run by the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank, said the satellite imagery of Chongjin's Hambuk shipyard on May 12 showed that a second vessel in the Choe Hyon-class of guided missile destroyers was under construction.A report by the North Korea-focused 38 North website assessed last week that the destroyer in Chongjin was being prepared to be launched sideways from the quay, a method that has been rarely used in North Korea. The report said the previous destroyer launched at the western shipyard of Nampo, in contrast, used a floating dry Korean officials and experts say the Choe Hyon destroyer was likely built with Russian assistance as the two countries' military partnerships are booming. While North Korea's naval forces are considered far inferior to those of its rivals, analysts say the destroyer with nuclear-capable missiles and an advanced radar system would still enhance the North's offensive and defensive has framed the arms buildup as a response to perceived threats from the United States and South Korea, which have been expanding joint military exercises in response to the North's advancing nuclear program. He says the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening the North Korean after releasing the report on the damaged destroyer, North Korea test-fired multiple cruise missiles from an area about 300 kilometers (185 miles) south of Chongjin, according to South Korea's military. The launches were a continuation of a streak of weapons-testing activities by North Korea in recent years. South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said the launches were being analyzed by South Korean and US intelligence authorities.
ABC News
22-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
North Korea's Kim Jong Un condemns warship accident as 'criminal act'
A 5,000-tonne warship key to North Korea's naval advancement has been left damaged following a serious accident during its launch ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un. The destroyer slid off the ramp and became stuck after the flatcar failed to move alongside it, throwing off its balance and crushing parts of the ship's bottom, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The accident at the north-eastern port of Chongjin was an embarrassing setback for Mr Kim, who has emphasised naval advancement as key to his nuclear-armed military. North Korean state media didn't say whether Wednesday's incident caused any injuries. However, South Korea's military said the stricken warship was lying sideways in the water. Mr Kim blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for what he described as a "serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism." He said the accident "tarnished the country's dignity" and officials responsible would be "dealt with" at the plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee to be convened next month. The damaged vessel was likely in the same class as the country's first destroyer, unveiled on April 25, which experts assessed as the North's largest and most advanced warship to date. Mr Kim called it a significant asset for advancing his goal of expanding the military's operational range and nuclear strike capabilities. State media described that ship as designed to handle various weapons systems, including anti-air and anti-ship weapons as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Mr Kim also supervised test-firing of missiles from the destroyer afterward, and state media said the ship was expected to enter active duty early next year. Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff, said the damaged vessel was likely equipped with similar systems and remains toppled over in the sea. Mr Kim has framed the arms build-up as a response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies in Asia, who have been expanding joint military exercises amid rising tensions over the North's nuclear program. He previously said the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening his navy. Experts outside of North Korea say the destroyer was likely built with Russian assistance. While North Korea's naval forces are considered inferior to South Korea's, analysts still view the destroyer as a serious security threat, as it could enhance the country's offensive and defensive capabilities. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated in recent months as Mr Kim accelerates the development of his nuclear and missile programs and supplies weapons and troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine. The US, South Korea, and their allies have expressed concern that Moscow could reciprocate by providing North Korea with advanced weapons technology, further enhancing the threat posed by its nuclear and missile program. AAP/Reuters
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Kim Jong Un rages after new North Korean warship is damaged during grand launch ceremony
A new 5,000-ton destroyer key to North Korea 's naval advancement was damaged during its launching ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un, state media reported Thursday. The ship slid off the ramp and became stuck after the flatcar failed to move alongside it, throwing off its balance and crushing parts of the ship's bottom, according to the Korean Central News Agency. The accident at Wednesday's ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin was an embarrassing setback for Kim, who has emphasized naval advancement as key to his nuclear-armed military. Kim blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for what he described as a 'serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism,' and called for a ruling Workers' Party meeting to address their 'irresponsible errors,' KCNA said. The agency reported separately that a plenary meeting of the party's powerful Central Committee was scheduled for late June. South Korea's military didn't immediately release an assessment on the North Korean report. The damaged vessel was likely in the same class as the country's first destroyer, unveiled on April 25, which Kim hailed as a significant asset for advancing his goal of expanding the military's operational range and nuclear strike capabilities. State media described that ship as designed to handle various weapons systems, including anti-air and anti-ship weapons as well as nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles. Kim also supervised test-firings of missiles from the destroyer afterward, and state media said the ship was expected to enter active duty early next year. Kim has framed the arms buildup as a response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies in Asia, who have been expanding joint military exercises amid rising tensions over the North's nuclear program. He says the acquisition of a nuclear-powered submarine would be his next big step in strengthening his navy. Outside experts say the destroyer was likely built with Russian assistance. While North Korea's naval forces are considered inferior to South Korea's, analysts still view the destroyer as a serious security threat, as it could enhance the country's offensive and defensive capabilities. Tensions on the Korean Peninsula have escalated in recent months as Kim accelerates the development of his nuclear and missile programs and supplies weapons and troops to support Russia's war in Ukraine. The U.S., South Korea, and their allies have expressed concern that Moscow could reciprocate by providing North Korea with advanced weapons technology, further enhancing the threat posed by its nuclear and missile program.
