Overview

• North Korea's second Choe Hyon-class destroyer capsized during a side-launch at Chongjin, crushing parts of the hull and leaving the vessel unbalanced.
• Kim Jong Un called the mishap a 'criminal act' caused by carelessness and ordered immediate repairs to be completed before late June's Workers' Party plenary session.
• The accident highlights logistical challenges in North Korea’s naval modernization drive, which aims to bolster its maritime strike capabilities with advanced warships.
• South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the vessel remains partially capsized, while analysts warn restoration within the given timeline may be unrealistic.
• The Choe Hyon-class destroyers, unveiled in April, are equipped with supersonic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles, underscoring Pyongyang’s strategic ambitions.