Jubilant Kim Jong-un unveils for the second time new destroyer

North Korea has successfully relaunched its second destroyer after the vessel was damaged during a failed launch in May. Leader Kim Jong-un, speaking a day before the second ceremony, pledged to build two new warships each year to counter perceived external threats.

As Pyongyang continues to expand its nuclear arsenal, the regime is also focusing on modernizing its naval fleet as a deterrent against the United States.

On May 21, Kim personally witnessed the botched launch of the destroyer, which capsized upon entering the water. The embarrassing failure reportedly triggered a furious response from the North Korean leader, who ordered those responsible to be swiftly punished.

According to the state-run KCNA news agency, the destroyer—named Kang Kon—was relaunched successfully on Thursday from the Rajin shipyard, with Kim in attendance.

“There was an absurd cause which impaired the dignity and prestige of the country in a moment due to absolute irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism, but no obstacle could delay the important course of bolstering up the naval combat power,” Kim said during the ceremony.

(QG - Source: Newsweek - Picture : © Unsplash)