North Korea Rights Capsized 5,000-Ton Destroyer After Failed Launch

North Korea has successfully righted its capsized Choe Hyun-class destroyer following a failed launch ceremony on May 21, an incident witnessed by leader Kim Jong Un who called it a blow to the country's reputation. Satellite images from early June show the 5,000-ton warship upright at the Chongjin Shipyard, though the bow remains stuck on land with probable damage, particularly to the sonar section. The recovery process involved manual efforts, including workers pulling tethers and the use of buoys or airbags to stabilize and lift the ship. Despite this progress, the shipyard lacks the infrastructure to carry out necessary repairs, raising doubts about North Korea’s ability to restore the vessel before the upcoming ruling party meeting. Kim Jong Un has vowed to punish those responsible and ordered the ship’s restoration, highlighting the regime's concern over projecting military strength despite the setback. This incident exposes limitations in North Korea’s military capabilities and infrastructure, with implications for its future naval strategies and international image.