North Korea Successfully Refloats Damaged Destroyer, Plans to Build More

By Soo-Hyang Choi

Jun 12, 2025 (Bloomberg) – North Korea announced that it has successfully refloated a 5,000-ton destroyer, named Kang Kon, which had suffered damage during a botched launch attempt last month. Kim Jong Un, the country’s leader, has pledged to construct two more vessels of the same class next year to enhance North Korea’s naval capabilities.

A second launch ceremony for the Choe Hyon-class destroyer Kang Kon was held at the northeastern port of Rajin, just weeks after a previous launch attempt resulted in a “serious accident” in May.

In his speech at the ceremony, Kim stated, “Our massive shipbuilding plans aimed at building advanced naval power are being pushed forward at the fastest pace possible, despite the difficulties and obstacles.”

The newly refloated warship is set to be operational by mid-2026, with plans approved to construct two additional 5,000-ton class destroyers next year.

Kim warned potential adversaries, stating, “Soon enough the enemies will learn themselves how provocative and unpleasant it is to see enemy ships running through the periphery of their sovereign waters.”

Amidst escalating tensions, Kim criticized the presence of US strategic assets in the region, emphasizing that North Korea will respond with “overwhelming military action” to any aggression. This comes as President Donald Trump’s administration expressed openness to communication with Kim, while South Korea coordinates closely with the US on their North Korea policy.

Analysts noted North Korea’s swift restoration of the damaged warship as a signal of its capability for rapid naval build-up, highlighting the country’s determination and resource allocation towards naval development.

The new destroyers are designed to bolster North Korea’s naval firepower in the Yellow Sea and eastern waters towards Japan, equipped with guided missiles and an air defense system including the Russian Pantsir-M.

While North Korea’s naval capabilities may not yet match those of South Korea or the US, experts suggest that the country’s shipbuilding expertise is advancing rapidly, paving the way for more sophisticated warships in the future.

© 2025 Bloomberg L.P.