Kim Jong Un rages after new North Korean warship is damaged during launch ceremony
The North Korean leader has called it a ‘criminal act’
A new 5,000-ton destroyer key to North Korea's naval advancement has been damaged during its launching ceremony, which was attended by leader Kim Jong Un, state media has reported.
The ship slid off a 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 incident at Wednesday’s ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin was a setback for Mr Kim, who has emphasised naval advancement as key to his nuclear-armed military.
He 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 also called for a Workers’ Party meeting to address their “irresponsible errors”, KCNA said.
The agency reported separately that a meeting of the party's powerful Central Committee was scheduled for late June.
South Korea’s military did not 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 25 April, which Mr 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.
Mr 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.
Mr 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 programme.
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 Mr 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.