North Korea refloats destroyer that capsized during launch, surprising naval analysts

North Korea has successfully refloated its new destroyer just weeks after a disastrous launch sent it sideways into the sea, damaging the vessel. The state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) confirmed the warship will now move to a dry dock for further repairs.

“After restoring the balance of the destroyer early in June, the team moored it at the pier by safely conducting its end launching on Thursday afternoon,” KCNA reported.

Satellite images taken by Planet Labs on June 5 showed the 5,000-ton warship floating again, no longer stranded on the launch slipway in the northeastern port city of Chongjin.

The ship represents a major part of North Korea’s naval modernization program. Officials had hoped the launch would demonstrate progress and strength. Instead, the vessel's stern slipped prematurely into the water on May 21. The bow remained stuck on land, and the ship’s hull took serious damage, according to KCNA’s earlier account.

Despite the setback, North Korea acted quickly. KCNA said the repair effort will continue in Rajin Dockyard and finish before the end of June.

“The next-stage elaborate restoration is to be carried out at the dry dock of the Rajin Dockyard for the period of 7-10 days,” KCNA said. Central Committee Secretary Jo Chun Ryong, who leads the project, promised the “perfect restoration of the destroyer will be completed without fail.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un watched the failed launch in person. He reportedly called the incident a “criminal act” and ordered the arrest of four individuals blamed for the failure. He also directed officials to repair the ship before the upcoming plenary session of the ruling Workers’ Party.

Analysts around the world expressed surprise at how fast the recovery progressed.

“Sheer manpower and – let’s face it – an innovative approach to righting the ship, delivered a solution in two weeks that people like me didn’t expect for four to six,” said Carl Schuster, a retired U.S. Navy captain and military analyst.

Satellite imagery suggests North Korea used aerostatic balloons—gas-filled bladders—to stabilize and refloat the vessel. The technique, while unconventional, proved effective.

According to Maxar satellite images, North Korea initially attempted to conceal the damage. But by June, signs of progress became visible. The warship appeared upright and afloat, though still damaged.

Experts feared the accident might have compromised the ship beyond repair. In traditional sideways launches, the hull must enter the water evenly. The lopsided descent risked twisting the keel and breaching the lower structure.

“The hull damage must have been significantly less than estimated,” Schuster said.

He added that with similar dedication applied to the next phase, the destroyer might be ready for sea trials sooner than expected. “Nearly everything is doable if you are willing to commit the resources and have the human talent to employ it.”

However, recovery won’t be easy. The interior compartments likely took in seawater. Sensitive electronics, engines, and communication systems may have suffered salt corrosion. All components will need to be dried, cleaned, and tested.

Still, for a country under heavy sanctions and limited resources, the fast turnaround showed capability—and political will.

The destroyer, still unnamed, has become a symbol of both embarrassment and determination. Though its failed launch undercut the original message of military pride, North Korea appears committed to completing the vessel in time for its political showcase later this month.

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