North Korea has officially relaunched its second Choe Hyon–class destroyer, named Kang Kon, following a failed initial launch in May. The revised ceremony took place on June 12 at the Rajin Shipyard in Rason, presided over by Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, according to state media and Western analysts.
This 5,000-ton vessel previously overturned during its first launch at the Chongjin shipyard on May 21, prompting a rare public admission of failure. Satellite imagery confirmed its stern submerged and its bow grounded. Kim described the mishap as a “criminal act” and held engineers and officials accountable, with at least four arrests announced.
Efforts to right the ship began immediately. Commercial satellite images show Kang Kon being refloated by June 5 and moved to Rajin by June 7 for further repairs. Polished images from June 12 display the ship in a graving dock, upright and ready for relaunch.
At the relaunch ceremony, Kim endorsed the swift recovery, stating the restoration met party deadlines. He also unveiled plans to build two additional destroyers next year equipped for extended Pacific operations, framing the vessels as a buffer against U.S. and allied threats.
Despite the regime’s triumphant tone, Western naval experts remain cautious. Defenses and electronics may have sustained water damage during the initial capsizing, and no public evidence of functionality—such as sea trials or weapons tests—has been disclosed.
The Kang Kon is North Korea’s second destroyer in the Choe Hyon class, following the lead ship launched in April 2025. At approximately 140–145 meters long, with vertical-launch missiles, phased-array radar systems, main guns, and CIWS installations, it represents a bold but still unproven stride in North Korea’s naval ambitions.
For American readers, the story highlights a strategic and symbolic pivot: despite significant setbacks, Pyongyang continues to prioritize modernizing its naval assets. While details on operational readiness remain murky, the effort signals a shifting maritime posture that U.S. and allied analysts are watching closely.
