Warship carrying nuclear missiles: "Serious accident" at inauguration for destroyer in North Korea

Warship carrying nuclear missiles "Serious accident" at inauguration for destroyer in North Korea 22.05.2025, 05:40

The North Korean Navy's new warship weighs 5,000 tons and can be equipped with tactical nuclear missiles. During the inauguration ceremony for the "Choe Hyon," the destroyer crashes. Leader Kim is furious at the operational negligence of his commanders.

According to state media, a serious accident occurred during a launch ceremony for a new North Korean Navy destroyer in North Korea. The North Korean state news agency KCNA reported that "a serious accident" occurred during the launch of a new 5,000-ton destroyer in the eastern port city of Chongjin. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who was present at the ceremony, called it a "criminal act." According to KCNA, "inexperienced commanders and operational negligence" were responsible for the accident. The mishap resulted in "some parts of the warship's bottom being crushed."

According to KCNA, Kim Jong Un described the incident as a "criminal act caused by absolute negligence" that "cannot be tolerated." The "irresponsible mistakes" of the relevant officials would be addressed at the next plenary session of the Party's Central Committee.

At the end of April, the leadership in Pyongyang unveiled a new warship capable of carrying nuclear weapons. According to observers, the 5,000-ton destroyer "Choe Hyon" can carry two tactical short-range nuclear missiles.

Pyongyang, Russia's ally

North Korea, largely isolated diplomatically, says it seeks nuclear weapons to counter threats from the United States and its allies, including South Korea. The two Koreas are technically still at war, as the 1950-1953 conflict ended with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

Relations between the two countries are currently at a low point. Kim called South Korea his "main enemy" last year. North Korea regularly conducts weapons tests, violating UN resolutions.

The US and South Korea also accuse North Korea of ​​supporting Russia by sending more than 10,000 North Korean soldiers to fight in the war against Ukraine. Pyongyang first confirmed the deployment of troops to Russia in April. Analysts say Kim hopes to receive advanced technology from Moscow and combat experience for his soldiers in return.