North Korea recently held a launching ceremony for its second Choe Hyon-class guided missile destroyer, but the event ended in disaster. The ship was severely damaged during launch, and satellite imagery confirms that the stern of the vessel swung out into the harbor due to a malfunction.
Experts point to several contributing factors, including the Hambuk Shipyard’s lack of experience in manufacturing and launching large warships like the new destroyer. North Korea’s reliance on this shipyard is unusual, as it has primarily produced cargo vessels and other small ships in the past.
The failed launch has embarrassed Kim Jong-un and the Korean People’s Navy, and it’s unclear how severe the damage is or whether the vessel will be repairable. However, one thing is certain: this delay will disrupt North Korea’s plans to develop its naval capabilities into a blue-water force capable of strategic operations. The incident highlights the challenges faced by North Korea in its military modernization efforts.
Source: https://beyondparallel.csis.org/failed-launch-and-damage-of-the-second-guided-missile-destroyer