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Asharq Al-Awsat
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
With NKorean Leader Furious over Failed Destroyer Launch, 4 Officials Have Been Detained
North Korea has detained four officials who it says are responsible for the failed launch of its second naval destroyer, which outside observers say was damaged much more than the country has disclosed. The detentions came after leader Kim Jong Un expressed fury over Wednesday's incident that he said was caused by criminal negligence. The main military committee said Friday that those responsible would be held accountable for their 'unpardonable criminal act.' Satellite imagery showed the vessel lying on its side and draped in blue covers, with parts of it submerged. North Korea says it will take about 10 days to repair the damage, but outside observers question that timeframe because they suspect the damage is much worse. Here is what you need to know about the failed ship launch: How much damage was there to the ship? The official Korean Central News Agency said Friday the severity of the damage to the 5,000-ton-class destroyer was 'not serious" as it canceled an earlier assessment that the bottom of the hull had been left with holes. According to The Associated Press, KCNA said the hull on the starboard side was scratched and some seawater had flown into the stern. It said it needs 10 days to pump out the seawater, set the ship upright and fix the scratches. KCNA said Monday that the work to restore the ship's balance was being conducted as scheduled. It's almost impossible to verify the assessment because of the extremely secretive nature of North Korea. It has a history of manipulating or covering up military-related setbacks, policy fiascoes and other mishaps, though it has periodically acknowledged some in recent years. Lee Illwoo, an expert with the Korea Defense Network in South Korea, said the North Korean warship likely has flooding in its engine room located in the stern and holes in the starboard side. He said North Korea could simply set the ship upright, paint it over and claim the ship has been launched, but that repairs could take more than a year as the replacement of an engine requires cutting the hull. Why the ship's launch failed According to the North Korean account, the destroyer was damaged when a transport cradle on the ship's stern detached early during a launch ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin. Moon Keun-sik, a navy expert who teaches at Seoul's Hanyang University, said North Korean workers are probably not familiar with launching a 5,000-ton-class warship, which is a few times heavier than its existing main navy ships. Observers say North Korea tried to launch the destroyer sideways, a method it has never used for warships, although it has previously employed it with big cargo and passenger ships. Compared with those non-military vessels, Lee said it would be more difficult to maintain balance with the destroyer because it's equipped with heavy weapons systems. He suspected North Korean scientists and officials likely did not factor that into their plans. How Kim has reacted The damaged ship is assessed as the same class as North Korea's first destroyer, launched with great fanfare last month with a floating dry dock at a western shipyard. It is North Korea's biggest and most advanced warship, and Kim called its construction 'a breakthrough' in modernizing North Korea's naval forces to cope with what he calls US-led security threats. Subsequently, a failure to launch the second destroyer was an embarrassment. But by disclosing the failure, Kim could be trying to show his resolve in building greater naval forces and boosting discipline at home. He ordered officials to repair the warship before a ruling Workers' Party meeting in late June. KCNA said that law enforcement authorities detained Ri Hyong Son, vice director of the munitions industry department at the ruling Workers Party's Central Committee, who said it was 'greatly responsible' for the failed launch. KCNA reported Sunday that the authorities also detained three officials at Chongjin Shipyard — the chief engineer, head of the hull construction workshop and deputy manager for administrative affairs. It earlier reported that Hong Kil Ho, manager of the Chongjin shipyard, had been summoned for questioning. "No matter how good the state of the warship is, the fact that the accident is an unpardonable criminal act remains unchanged, and those responsible for it can never evade their responsibility for the crime,' the North's Central Military Commission said in an instruction to the investigation team on Thursday, according to KCNA. Kim Dong-yub, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul, said North Korea appeared to be using the failed launch as a chance to strengthen the ruling party's control over science and technological sectors. Lee Choon Geun, an honorary research fellow at South Korea's Science and Technology Policy Institute, said that North Korea's handling of the damaged warship could have long-term consequences for its defense science sector. 'If scientists are held severely accountable, I would say the future of North Korea's defense science doesn't look very bright, as it would be a sign that political responsibility is being prioritized over technical accountability,' Lee wrote on Facebook.
Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Times
Princess of Wales formally names HMS Glasgow with a whisky smash
The Princess of Wales has officially named HMS Glasgow by smashing a bottle of local Scottish whisky against its hull. Kate, known as the Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, was supported by her husband Prince William at the BAE Systems shipyard in Scotstoun, on the bank of the River Clyde. Stepping on to a podium before a crowd of several hundred BAE employees, their families and the 45-strong ship's company, she said: 'I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow. May God bless her and all who sail on her'. The princess flicked a small red 'launch' button to release a bottle of single-malt whisky made by the nearby Clydeside Distillery. The ceremony is said to bring good luck and fortune to the
Daily Mail
22-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Kate stuns in nautical ensemble as she joins William in Glasgow at the official naming of new Royal Navy's warship
The Princess of Wales has officially named HMS Glasgow by smashing a bottle of local Scottish whisky against its hull. Kate, 43, was joined by her husband, Prince William, to conduct the traditional naming ritual at the BAE Systems' shipyard in Scotstoun, on the bank of the River Clyde in Glasgow. Keeping her look suitably nautical for the outing, the royal sported a navy and white £1,850 coat dress from British brand Suzannah London and a matching statement hat from Philip Treacy, first worn at Trooping the Colour in 2024. Stepping up onto a podium before a crowd of several hundred BAE employees, their families and the 45-strong ship's company, Kate uttered the time-honoured words: 'I have the pleasure to name this ship HMS Glasgow, may God bless her and all who sail on her'. The Princess then flicked up a small red 'launch' button to release a bottle of exclusive single malt whisky made by the nearby Clydeside Distillery. The ceremonial act is said to bring good luck and fortune to the vessel and its crew. The distillery opened its doors in 2017, the same year that the HMS Glasgow build began, marking what is considered the start of two modern icons of Glasgow's maritime heritage. Each bottle of the whisky sold will include a donation to HMS Glasgow's chosen charity, Place2Be, of which the Princess is patron, and which supports children's mental health in the city. The Princess was named sponsor of the 8,000-tonne warship, a state-of-the-art Type 26 anti-submarine frigate, in June 2021 and is said to hold 'a real interest' in the ship 'and in the lives of those who will serve onboard'. A year later, Kate met Royal Navy sailors from HMS Glasgow at Windsor Castle to hear about the ship's progress and their experiences in the Royal Navy. After the ceremony, William and Kate, known in Scotland as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay, boarded the ship and met representatives from BAE Systems, which has led the delivery of the vessel, and others from the Royal Navy who discussed the ship's capabilities. They also visited the BAE Systems' shipbuilding academy to meet apprentices and graduates and hear about the shipbuilding and maritime training the students received, including craft trades like fabrication, sheet metal work, welding, and pipe fitting. All skills which were needed to construct HMS Glasgow. The event ended with the future King and Queen meeting a cross-section of BAE Systems employees from different backgrounds, trades and skills involved in the building of the ship, and members of HMS Glasgow ship's company and their families. The ship, the first of eight planned Type 26 frigates, is designed to provide protection to the UK's nuclear deterrent and aircraft carriers. It features advanced systems such as the Sea Ceptor anti-air missile system, a 5-inch naval gun, and the capability to carry both Wildcat and Merlin helicopters. The construction of the eight frigates has sustained 4,000 jobs across Scotland and the wider UK supply chain. On arrival at the shipyard, the Prince and Princess were met by Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow, Sir Simon Lister, managing director, of BAE Systems Naval Ships and Commander Phil Burgess, senior naval officer on HMS Glasgow. 'It'a so great to see her, she's fantastic,' Catherine said at first sight of the vessel. Cdr Burgess escorted the couple past a guard of honour made up of the ships company for a royal salute. A piper marked the start of the 25-minute ceremony before a P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft from 120 Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth performed a flypast. Sir Simon and Second Sealord Vice Admiral Sir Martin Connell, gave speeches. Sir Martin Connell thanked the Prince and Princess for their support in reaching the milestone. 'From the first ever HMS Glasgow, sailing under the Royal Navy flag at the end of the 17th Century to the ship we see here in the 21st Century, HMS Glasgow has evolved and adapted to meet the warfighting and operational demands of its day,' he said. 'Each metamorphosis saw shipbuilders adapting materials and designs so that crews could operate each successive HMS Glasgow on operations and in conflict and war. 'The result of this being 11 battle honours – HMS Glasgow's pedigree is awe inspiring.' He hailed the ship as 'a pure-bred Anti-Submarine Warfare platform, setting the standard for naval warfare', which was ready to 'meet the global and geopolitical challenges of today'. He continued: 'HMS Glasgow and her class represent the next chapter of naval innovation, safeguarding the UK's interests and contributing to national prosperity.' Sir Simon said the naming ceremony marked 'quite a moment' for Glasgow. 'There are many sons and daughters of this city here today and you should be proud to say you are helping Glasgow to flourish,' he said. 'HMS Glasgow is a reminder of the role ship building on the Clyde plays on the global stage', he added. 'Your efforts have started a legacy you should be rightly proud of, that will put us on a stronger footing for years to come. To HMS Glasgow, go well, fair winds and following seas'. The outing comes following a busy week for Kate and William, who on Tuesday hosted their first Buckingham Palace garden party of the year. During the occasion, the royal couple met the parents of Liz Hatton, the teenage photographer who captured the hearts of the nation with her brave cancer fight. Kate, 43, re-wore her lemon yellow dress by Emilia Wickstead and a hat by Phillip Treacy as she stood on the terrace for the National Anthem in the grounds of the London residence, while the Prince wore a morning suit. It marks the mother-of-three's first appearance at a garden party since 2023 - having skipped last year while she was having cancer treatment. Liz's parents Vicky and Aaron, along with her brother Mateo, nine, had an emotional chat with the royals at the garden party to honour the memory of their daughter. When Kate spotted Liz's mother they embraced with a warm hug. Her parents said meeting Prince and Princess changed her and their family's life positively forever. The Prince and Princess, who were joined by Zara Tindall and Princess Eugenie, and Sophie and Edward, Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, had met Liz just months before her passing, when they were introduced at Windsor Castle during an emotional moment that left a lasting impact on the royal couple. Also at the garden party was Tony Hudgell, the double amputee from Kent who missed the King's garden party last year due to a traffic jam. This time, Tony made it in plenty of time and was warmly welcomed by Queen Camilla at a private gathering. Liz, 17, from Harrogate, won the admiration of the public with her determination to live life to the fullest despite being diagnosed with her incurable illness. On Tuesday, the royal couple spent a few minutes chatting to Liz's mother Vicky Robayna, and stepfather, Aaron Robayna Thompson, who were special guests at the party for 7,500 people. The royal couple had met Liz in October 2024 at Windsor Castle, when the 17-year-old photographer, who had Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour, fulfilled her dream of photographing the Prince of Wales at an investiture as part of her 'bucket list'. Kate, whose cancer is now in remission, and William, were deeply moved by Liz's story. The royal couple were handed Jelly Cat plush toys - a lemon pie and pickled onion - by Liz's family during their meeting. Liz used to give the toys to people that made her happy. 'They match my dress,' Kate said. She told Mateo, 'If you need any help fundraising maybe I can help up. Please stay in touch, really.' Liz's mother said: 'You changed her life for the better, you changed ours too because our memories are all positive.' William said of the toys: 'My children will love these. They are children's currency.' Kate said: 'It matches my dress, how did you know? We talked about it. When I see the fish and chips Jellycat, I think of her. 'She really made the most of everything. I loved her creativity all the way through. If you need any help fundraising, maybe I can help. Please stay in touch, really.' Afterwards Liz's parents said: 'We had such a lovely day. She would have loved to have shared it. Mateo has lots of pictures to share at school.' The Princess had embraced Liz during their meeting, sharing a post afterward that read: 'A pleasure to meet with Liz at Windsor today. A talented young photographer whose creativity and strength has inspired us both. Thank you for sharing your photos and story with us.' Tragically, Liz passed away just weeks later, leaving a lasting legacy of bravery and determination. Following Liz's death, William and Kate paid tribute to her, saying: 'We are so sorry to hear that Liz Hatton has sadly passed away. 'It was an honour to have met such a brave and humble young woman. Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz's parents Vicky and Aaron, and her brother Mateo, at this unimaginably difficult time.' Vicky and Aaron have since channeled their grief into creating Capture, a charity dedicated to supporting those with Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumour, the rare cancer that claimed Liz's life. The charity has funded its first research project and plans to launch its website by the end of May. They are also fundraising through events like a 24-hour swim and a marathon challenge for 100 teams. A photo calendar featuring Liz's work will be released on what would have been her 18th birthday.
