Key Metrics
12.71
Heat Index-
Impact LevelMedium
-
Scope LevelNational
-
Last Update2025-08-25
Key Impacts
Positive Impacts (3)
Negative Impacts (4)
Event Overview
North Korea has declared the successful repair and relaunch of its second destroyer, the Kang Kon, during a ceremony at the Rajin shipyard in Rason on June 12, 2025. The 5,000-ton-class vessel, attended by leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter, is part of the country's naval buildup. Kim claimed the destroyers would enhance operational capabilities and defended the move as defensive against perceived U.S. and allied threats. Initial launch failures led to detentions of officials, but independent verification remains impossible.
Collect Records
North Korea Claims Successful Repair and Relaunch of Damaged Destroyer
North Korea has announced the successful repair and relaunch of its damaged second destroyer, the Kang Kon, during a ceremony held at the Rajin shipyard in Rason, North Korea, on June 12, 2025. The event was attended by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter, as reported by the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). The destroyer, a 5,000-ton-class vessel, is the second such ship built by North Korea this year. Kim Jong Un stated that the two destroyers would significantly enhance the operational capabilities of the North Korean navy.
Kim reiterated his stance that the naval buildup is a defensive measure against perceived threats from the United States and its allies in Asia. He accused these nations of expanding military exercises and updating deterrence strategies to counter North Korea's nuclear ambitions. Kim vowed to respond with overwhelming military action and emphasized plans to develop a navy with long-range operational capabilities.
The initial launch of the destroyer had failed due to what Kim described as "criminal negligence." Following the incident, North Korean authorities detained four officials, including the vice director of the Workers' Party's munitions industry department. The secretive nature of North Korea makes independent verification of the repair and relaunch claims impossible. Outside experts have expressed skepticism, questioning the extent of the damage and the feasibility of rapid repairs.
Satellite images provided by Maxar Technologies showed the destroyer at the Rajin dockyard in Najin, North Korea, before and during the relaunch ceremony. The images and state media reports are the only available sources of information, as independent journalists were not granted access to the event.