Kim Jong Un Furious as North Korea’s New Destroyer Flops in Failed Launch

North Korea's latest attempt to flex its naval muscle turned into a spectacular flop at the Chongjin port, where a 5,000-ton destroyer went off the rails—quite literally—during a botched launch. Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, who was on hand to witness the fiasco, was reportedly seething as the vessel slid off its ramp, got stuck, and ended up with a crumpled bottom, according to state media. The flatcar meant to guide the ship failed, leaving the destroyer’s stern in the water and its bow stranded on the ramp—a maritime metaphor for North Korea’s broader ambitions, perhaps.

The incident, described as a 'serious accident' by Kim, has sparked an investigation into what he called the 'carelessness and irresponsibility' of military officials and shipyard workers. He’s demanded the ship be restored before a Workers’ Party meeting in late June, tying the repair to national pride. Satellite imagery from South Korea shows the destroyer now lying on its side, a silent testament to the regime’s rush to modernize its navy.

Despite the embarrassment, Kim’s insistence on publicizing the mishap signals confidence in North Korea’s long-term naval goals. Experts suggest the failure stems from inexperience with large warships, compounded by a hurried launch schedule. This marks the second destroyer launch in a month, following a successful one at Nampo, which showcased Russian-influenced technology and missile capabilities. Both ships are believed to be designed for nuclear-capable ballistic and cruise missiles, raising concerns about the regime’s escalating military ambitions.

Kim’s broader arms buildup, including AI-powered drones and a nuclear-powered submarine under construction, is framed as a response to U.S. and South Korean military exercises. His recent oversight of drone tests and modifications to Russian cargo planes for surveillance roles underscores a push for advanced, unmanned systems. Meanwhile, North Korea’s deployment of thousands of troops to support Russia in Ukraine marks its first major foreign conflict since the Korean War, with significant casualties reported.