North Korean destroyer launch mishap sparks rare public outrage
On 22 May 2025, an accident occurred during the launch of a Type 74 destroyer for the North Korean Navy. The ship was damaged, and Kim Jong Un chose to comment on the matter, marking the first instance of such a scenario.
During the launch, the stern section of the hull fell onto the concrete superstructure of the port, causing the bottom to be crushed and affecting the ship's balance. The event was witnessed by Kim Jong Un himself and a large crowd of individuals associated with the regime.
Kim swiftly labelled the accident as a crime in the media, prompting an investigation to identify those responsible for the negligence. The North Korean state news agency (KCNA) also quickly reported on the incident.
"Due to inexperienced command and operational carelessness, the parallel movement of the bogies could not be guaranteed, resulting in the launching sled in the stern detaching first and causing the ship to capsize. The ship’s balance was destroyed due to a rupture in the hull in some sections, and the bow section was unable to detach from the keel."
Furthermore, the intention is to have the ship repaired within a month. However, based on available satellite images of the incident and descriptions of the damage according to KCNA, it is likely to take much longer. This is highly unusual for North Korea, which has previously attempted to conceal all accidents.
The Choe Hyon ship — North Korean imitation of AEGIS system destroyers
The damaged ship is the second unit of Type 74, also referred to as the Choe Hyon class ships. These destroyers have a displacement of about 5,000 tonnes, a length of approximately 140 metres, and a width of around 16 metres based on satellite image analysis.
The ships of the DPRK are an attempt to emulate American Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, based largely on Russian technology received through very generous military assistance.
The armament of the North Korean units is expected to include a bow gun likely measuring 127 mm or 130 mm, vertical launch systems (74 cells of various sizes) designed for anti-aircraft, cruise, or anti-ship missiles.
Additionally, they are equipped with two six-barrel AK-630 point defence systems guided by radar, two torpedo launchers, four anti-tank guided missile launchers Bulsae, and one Pantsir-M system. The ship is also equipped with radars on the superstructure.
