North Korea's Destroyer Fails to Launch: A Setback in Naval Modernization

North Korea's Naval Mishap: A 5,000-Ton Setback, But Not the End of Kim's Ambitions On May 24th, 2025, North Korea experienced a significant setback in its naval modernization efforts. A newly constructed 5,000-ton destroyer, witnessed by leader Kim Jong Un himself, failed to launch, capsizing at the Chongjin Shipyard. Satellite images clearly show the vessel on its side, damage partially obscured by a large blue tarp. Retired Captain Carl Schuster, US Navy, commented, "The blue tarp signifies that there's damage that they don't want us to see." Despite this embarrassing incident, analysts believe the setback won't deter Kim Jong Un's ambitions. The video highlights the significant disparity between North and South Korea's naval capabilities, with South Korea possessing far more advanced surface combatants. However, the substantial number of North Korean submarines, though older, remains a cause for concern, as noted by Rear Admiral Kim Duk-ki, Republic of Korea Navy: "That submarine threat is higher than we expected." The incident underscores the ongoing challenges and complexities of North Korea's military development.