North Korea’s Relaunch of the ‘Kang Kon’
North Korea has successfully relaunched its 5,000-ton warship, the ‘Kang Kon,’ following a botched initial launch in May. The ship, which suffered damage during its first attempt to be deployed, was repaired and returned to the water. North Korean state media reported that President Kim Jong Un attended the event, where he expressed frustration over the mishap, calling it a ‘criminal act’ that tarnished the country’s dignity.
According to state news agencies, the incident occurred when the ship slipped off its ramp during the launch, causing significant damage to the vessel’s bottom. The flatcar responsible for transporting the ship failed to move alongside it, resulting in an imbalance that led to the ship’s stern sliding down the slipway. This caused the bow section to become stuck, preventing the ship from leaving the ramp. Kim emphasized in his speech that the incident was not merely a mistake but a serious offense that required thorough investigation. As a result, the chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard and several other officials were reportedly detained.
The failure has drawn international scrutiny, with satellite images previously released by South Korea showing the ship lying on its side after the incident. While the exact extent of the damage remains undisclosed, North Korea’s state media confirmed that the ship was still upright in the water following its relaunch. Kim has vowed to continue its naval expansion efforts, declaring that new generations of warships will be launched in the coming years to strengthen the country’s maritime defense capabilities.
Rajin shipyard, where the vessel was moved after the incident, is a key facility in North Korea’s naval development. The successful relaunch of the ‘Kang Kon’ underscores the North’s determination to advance its military ambitions despite the setback. Kim’s address at the relaunch highlighted the country’s commitment to military progress, signaling that the incident would not deter North Korea from its strategic goals. The ongoing efforts reflect broader trends in the country’s military modernization, which have included the development of advanced weapons systems and naval assets in recent years.