North Korea Repairs Damaged Destroyer, Plans Two More Next Year

North Korea has successfully refloated and relaunched its damaged second Choe Hyon-class destroyer, Kang Kon, after a failed launch attempt in May that left the ship partially sunk. Leader Kim Jong Un attended the second launch ceremony and vowed to build two more vessels of the same class next year to enhance the country's naval capabilities. Kim framed the naval buildup as a necessary response to perceived threats from the United States and its allies, promising "overwhelming military action" and a navy with long-range operational capabilities. The botched initial launch led to the detention of several officials for criminal negligence, reflecting the regime's urgency to restore its naval strength. While North Korean state media showcased the ceremony and the restored ship, external experts remain skeptical about the ship’s condition and the full functionality of its electronics after being submerged. Satellite imagery also confirmed a significant event around the ship, including spectators and ceremonial preparations, although independent verification of the repair quality remains challenging due to North Korea's secrecy.