North Korea's Destroyer From Sunken to Salvaged!

North Korea Scrambles to Salvage Capsized Destroyer, Aims for Swift Repair

In a display of determined resolve, North Korea has announced the successful righting of a capsized destroyer in the northeastern port of Chongjin. The vessel, considered a significant asset to Kim Jong Un's nuclear-armed military, is now undergoing repairs following a troubled launching ceremony. This development, confirmed by both North Korean state media and South Korean military assessments, underscores the regime's commitment to modernizing its naval forces despite recent setbacks.

According to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), experts are set to meticulously examine the ship's hull before the next phase of restoration commences. This crucial step will take place at a dry dock in the neighboring port of Rajin and is projected to last between **7 to 10 days.**

Recent satellite imagery, analyzed by The Associated Press, corroborates the claims, showing the destroyer upright and afloat. While the extent of the damage remains unclear, the ship's apparent stability suggests that Pyongyang is capable of transporting it to Rajin for a thorough inspection of its electronics.

Jo Chun Ryong, a senior official from the ruling Workers’ Party, confidently stated that the “perfect restoration of the destroyer will be completed without fail” before a major party congress scheduled for late June – a deadline personally set by Kim Jong Un himself.

The incident, a "botched launching ceremony" in late May, drew sharp criticism from Kim, who decried it as a “criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific empiricism.” State media reports that at least four officials have been detained, including the vice director of the Workers’ Party’s munitions industry department, with the North's military committee vowing accountability for this "unpardonable criminal act."

Here's a breakdown of the key developments:

• Capsized Destroyer: Successfully righted in Chongjin port.
• Repair Location: To be moved to Rajin port for dry dock restoration.
• Timeline: Restoration expected to take 7-10 days.
• Deadline: Kim Jong Un has set a late June deadline for completion.
• Accountability: Several officials detained and facing severe repercussions.

Lee Sung Joon, spokesperson for South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, confirmed that the South Korean military assesses that the North Koreans righted the ship earlier this week and are likely conducting drainage operations while examining the damage. He also noted that the severity and duration of the repair will depend on various factors, including potential damage to the ship’s structural backbone.

This 5,000-ton-class destroyer, North Korea’s second known destroyer, is seen as a critical component in Kim’s ambition to modernize its naval forces. The first destroyer of its class, unveiled in April, was hailed as the North's largest and most advanced warship to date. Kim has emphasized its capabilities to handle various weapons systems, including anti-air, anti-ship, and potentially nuclear-capable missiles.

Despite the North Korean navy being considered inferior to its rivals, experts believe that a destroyer equipped with modern missile and radar systems could significantly enhance the country's offensive and defensive capabilities.

The situation also highlights the growing military cooperation between North Korea and Russia. Reports suggest that the destroyer was likely built with Russian assistance, with North Korea providing Russia with military equipment for its war in Ukraine. This exchange raises concerns about potential technology transfers that could further bolster North Korea's military might.

Kim's pursuit of advanced weaponry is framed as a response to perceived threats from the United States and South Korea. He has stated that acquiring a nuclear-powered submarine is his next major objective in strengthening the North Korean navy.

The swift action to recover and repair the capsized destroyer showcases North Korea's determination to overcome setbacks and press forward with its military modernization plans. Whether they can meet Kim Jong Un's ambitious deadline remains to be seen, but this incident underscores the unwavering focus on strengthening the nation's naval power and its strategic implications in the region.

Source: https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-destroyer-upright-kim-jong-un-nuclear-russia-7ce10bef83dfbe868accf2ca52b3070a