SEOUL, South Korea — North Korea has commissioned its second modern guided-missile destroyer, marking a remarkable and rapid recovery for a warship that capsized during its launch in May 2025 in an incident that enraged leader Kim Jong Un.
State media said the vessel entered service this week after months of intensive repairs. Kim, who witnessed the initial failed launch, denounced it at the time as a criminal act caused by “absolute carelessness” and ordered those responsible to be held accountable.
The destroyer is part of Pyongyang’s ambitious push to modernize its aging navy. The first ship of the class, unveiled in April 2025, was touted as the most advanced surface combatant in the North Korean fleet, equipped with vertical launch systems capable of firing missiles.
The botched launch last year was a rare public embarrassment for the secretive state and highlighted the risks of North Korea’s accelerated weapons development. Analysts say the successful commissioning of two destroyers in one year signals Pyongyang’s determination to project naval power despite international sanctions and technical setbacks.
North Korea has not disclosed the destroyers’ full capabilities, but South Korean and U.S. officials have warned that the ships could significantly enhance the North’s ability to launch cruise and ballistic missiles at sea.
