North Korean destroyer Kang Kon

History
North Korea
Name
  • Kang Kon
  • (강건)
NamesakeKang Kon
BuilderHambuk Shipyard, Chongjin
Laid downMay 2024
Launched12 June 2025
IdentificationHull number: 52
StatusSea trials
General characteristics
TypeChoe Hyon-class destroyer
Displacement5,000 t (4,900 long tons)
Length~140–145 m (459 ft 4 in – 475 ft 9 in)
Beam~16 m (52 ft 6 in)
Sensors &
processing systems		Phased array radars
Electronic warfare
& decoys		4 × countermeasures dispensers
Armament
  • 1 × ~127 mm (5 in)-type naval gun
  • 1 × Pantsir-ME CIWS
  • 2 × 30 mm AK-630 CIWS
  • 74 × VLS cells of various sizes for guided missiles
  • Anti-ship cruise missile launchers
  • 4 × 4 small launchers
Aircraft carried1 × helicopter
Aviation facilitiesFlight deck

Kang Kon (Korean: 강건) is the second ship of Choe Hyon-class destroyers to be operated by the Korean People's Navy. The ship is among the first destroyers operated by the North Korean navy.[1]

Design and description

According to the press release by the North Korean state-run news agency Korean Central News Agency, the class is classified as a multipurpose destroyer with a 5,000-tonne (4,900-long-ton) displacement.[2] Based on satellite imagery analysis, the destroyer has a length of around 140 to 145 metres (459 ft 4 in to 475 ft 9 in)[2] and beam of around 16 metres (52 ft 6 in).[3]

Based on footage released by the North Korean state media during the first ship's construction in December 2024 and satellite imagery of the second ship, the vessels would be armed with one main gun and numerous vertical launching system (VLS) cells for guided missiles, located at the bow, just behind the main gun, and at the stern.[3] The ship would also feature fixed-panel phased array radars integrated into the superstructures.[4]

Based on the photos of Choe Hyon during its launch ceremony, the ship is armed with a main gun of ~127-millimetre (5.0 in) type, a Pantsir-ME and two 30 mm (1.2 in) AK-630 close-in weapon systems (CIWS), and 74 VLS cells of various sizes for guided missiles. The ship's VLS cells consist of 32 small cells, 12 medium-sized cells, 20 large cells and 10 very large cells. The larger cells likely accommodate cruise missiles and ballistic missiles. The destroyer also has four turreted four-cell launchers, capable of firing short-range guided missiles, anti-submarine charges, or loitering munitions. An enclosure for what appears to be anti-ship cruise missile launchers is located amidship.[5]

Kang Kon's countermeasure systems consists of four countermeasures dispensers, with two on each side of the ship located at the edge of the superstructure. The vessel is equipped with four phased array radars located above the bridge, with other various sensors and communication systems located on the main mast. The ship has a flight deck at stern for helicopter.[5]

Citing Kim Jong Un's speech during the launch ceremony of Choe Hyon, the ship is claimed to have "anti-aircraft, anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-ballistic missile capabilities", and also able to carry nuclear-armed strategic cruise missiles and tactical ballistic missiles.[2]

Construction and launch

Construction of the second ship of the class may have started in May 2024, with the erection of rows of pillars on both sides of a slipway at Hambuk Shipyard, Chongjin, on the country's east coast. Over the next few months, protective screen walls with a mesh netting rooftop were added to the slipway. The structure was likely built to cover the ship during its construction.[3][6]

On 12 June 2025, the ship was officially launched, and was named Kang Kon (강건), after the first Chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army who was killed in action during the Korean War, and was given the hull number 52.[7][8][9] Kim Jong Un and his daughter Kim Ju Ae attended.[10] As of March 2026, Kang Kon was reported to have been berthed at Chongjin Port for an extended period, and appeared incapable of maneuvering by itself.[11] However, three months later, North Korean state media reported that the navigation test of Kang Kon occurred on 4 June.[12]

On 5 July 2026, North Korean state media reported that Kim Jong Un observed a test of the ship's nuclear-capable cruise missile and other weapons from the shore; Kim also ordered the Kang Kon's trials to be completed and the ship put in active service within two months.[13] The ship returned to Rason Port on 16 July 2026.[14]

Launch accident

On 21 May 2025, the first attempt of launching the ship took place at Chongjin, however, a "serious accident" occurred, damaging the hull in the process.[15] The vessel overturned after its stern suddenly slipped into the water while the bow remained on shore, causing extensive hull damage and possibly compromising internal equipment.[16] Kim Jong Un declared this to be a "criminal act" and that it had "lowered the dignity and self-respect of our state in a moment". He stated that the ship must be restored by the next plenary of the party in June.[17][18] He also called for those designing the ship to be held responsible.[19] Satellite imagery taken on 2 June showed that the ship had been restored to an upright position.[20] The ship was successfully launched on 5 June[21] and it was reported that it was sent to Rajin Dockyard.[22][23] The warship docked at the drydock in Rajin on 8 June.[24]

The incident happened during the public unveiling of the new warship. According to satellite imagery and KCNA reports, the destroyer tilted sharply to one side after sustaining damage to its underside. Images also showed the vessel partially covered with a blue tarpaulin and a portion of it resting on land.[25]

While there were no confirmed reports of casualties or injuries, initial reports had suggested that the hull was punctured. However, KCNA later contradicted this, stating, "There was no hole in the bottom of the ship, though the right side was scraped and some sea water entered the rear."[26] Overall, the ship's damage was assessed as "not serious".[27]

Following repairs and refloating, the vessel was announced to have been launched on 5 June 2025.[28] A week later, after further repairs, a launching ceremony for the vessel was held on 12 June, with Kim Jong Un in attendance according to KCNA.[29]

Aftermath

On 23 May, North Korea launched a full-scale investigation into the accident.[18] Afterward, the shipyard's manager, Hong Kil-ho, was summoned by law enforcement for questioning. Kim Jong Un described the incident as a "criminal act" and condemned it as a consequence of "extreme carelessness, irresponsibility, and unscientific practices". He announced that disciplinary measures would be addressed at the upcoming plenary session of the ruling party.[30] Law enforcement also arrested the chief engineer, the construction head and an administrative manager.[31] Ri Hyong-son, a member of the Central Military Commission, was also detained and deemed to be "largely responsible for the serious accident" according to North Korea's state news agency, KCNA.[32][33] KCNA reported that these individuals were deemed "responsible" for the incident.[34]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Kim, Tong-hyung (26 April 2025). "North Korean leader Kim touts new naval destroyer, blames US for tensions". AP News. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  2. 1 2 3 Zwirko, Colin (26 April 2025). Talman, Kristen (ed.). "North Korea launches largest new warship, states aim to sail beyond peninsula". NK News. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 Zwirko, Colin (18 February 2025). Hill, Alannah (ed.). "North Korea building second warship of largest new class on east coast: Report". NK Pro. NK News. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  4. ↑ Mitsopoulos, Dimitris (30 December 2024). "North Korea Unveils Advanced Frigate Design Likely Equipped with Guided Missiles". Naval News. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  5. 1 2 Rogoway, Taylor (26 April 2025). "North Korea's New Frigate Has Ballistic Missile Launchers". The War Zone. Recurrent Ventures. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  6. ↑ "Additional construction of New Naval Combatant at Chongjin Shipyard". SI Analytics. 18 February 2025. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  7. ↑ "Revolution in Warship-building Industry in New Era and Vigorous Advance and Development in Modernization of Naval Forces - Ceremony of Launching Destroyer of KPA Navy Takes Place with Splendor". Minju Joson. 13 June 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  8. ↑ Park, Boram (13 June 2025). "N. Korea's damaged warship launched 23 days after failed first attempt". Yonhap News Agency. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  9. ↑ Mackenzie, Jean; Guinto, Joel (13 June 2025). "North Korea claims warship launch successful on second try". BBC News. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
  10. ↑ Ngọc Anh (13 June 2025). "Triều Tiên hạ thuỷ tàu khu trục từng gặp sự cố, tuyên bố về sức mạnh hải quân của Bình Nhưỡng" [North Korea launches troubled destroyer, claims Pyongyang's naval might]. Báo Thế giới và Việt Nam (in Vietnamese). Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  11. ↑ Chung, Bruce Songhak (24 March 2026). "Satellite analysis: North Korea's 5,000-ton destroyer fleet in construction but short on combat readiness". Daily NK English. Retrieved 26 May 2026.
  12. ↑ "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Observes Navigation Test of Destroyer Kang Kon". Korean Central News Agency. 6 June 2026. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  13. ↑ Kim, Tong-hyung (5 July 2026). "North Korean leader Kim observes weapons tests from new naval destroyer". Associated Press. Retrieved 5 July 2026.
  14. ↑ Zwirko, Colin (17 July 2026). "North Korea boosts warship project with new construction at Rason shipyard". NK Pro. NK News. Archived from the original on 17 July 2026. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  15. ↑ Yoo, Min-joo (22 May 2025). 北 "신형 구축함 진수식 중 엄중한 사고 발생"…김정은 "용납 못해" [Serious accident occurred during launch ceremony for the new destroyer in North Korea... Kim Jong Un cannot tolerate it]. News1 (in Korean). Retrieved 22 May 2025.
  16. ↑ McCurry, Justin (22 May 2025). "Kim Jong-un furious as North Korea warship partly 'crushed' in launch gone wrong". The Guardian. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  17. ↑ "Ceremony of launching newly-built destroyer takes place". Voice of Korea. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  18. 1 2 "Triều Tiên điều tra toàn diện sự cố hạ thủy tàu chiến" [North Korea conducted full investigation of the warship launch accident]. Quảng Ngãi TV (in Vietnamese). Quang Ngai Newspaper and Radio, Television. 23 May 2025. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
  19. ↑ Ng, Kelly (22 May 2025). "Kim Jong Un slams 'serious accident' at warship launch". BBC News. Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  20. ↑ Ragnone, Iliana; Williams, Martyn; Makowsky, Peter; Liu, Jack (3 June 2025). "Quick Take: Chongjin Destroyer Returned Upright". 38 North. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  21. ↑ Williams, Martyn; Makowsky, Peter; Ragnone, Iliana (5 June 2025). "Quick Take: North Korean Warship Has Finally Launched". 38 North. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  22. ↑ "Damaged Destroyer Moored at Pier after Perfect Restoration of Its Balance". Korean Central News Agency. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  23. ↑ Zwirko, Colin (5 June 2025). "North Korea will move damaged warship to other shipyard for repairs: State media". NK News. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  24. ↑ Zwirko, Colin (9 June 2025). "North Korea's damaged warship begins repairs near port hosting Russia arms trade". NK News. Retrieved 9 June 2025.
  25. ↑ "Kim Jong Un raps officials over serious warship launch accident". Al Jazeera. 22 May 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  26. ↑ Kim, Jack; Smith, Josh (22 May 2025). "North Korean leader Kim Jong Un condemns warship accident as 'criminal'". Reuters. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  27. ↑ "Triều Tiên triển khai khắc phục sự cố tàu khu trục bị lật" [North Korea deployed efforts to repair capsized destroyer]. Quảng Ngãi TV (in Vietnamese). Quang Ngai Newspaper and Radio, Television. 6 June 2025. Retrieved 23 June 2026.
  28. ↑ Ng, Kelly (6 June 2025). "N Korea launches warship after earlier failed attempt". BBC. Retrieved 6 June 2025.
  29. ↑ Kim Tong-hyung; Kim Hyung-jin (13 June 2025). "North Korea says repaired destroyer has launched, a claim met with outside skepticism". AP News. Retrieved 13 June 2025.
  30. ↑ Lukiv, Jaroslav (24 May 2025). "North Korea makes arrests over botched ship launch". BBC News. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
  31. ↑ "Accident Investigation Group Informs WPK Central Military Commission of Its Work". Korean Central News Agency. 25 May 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  32. ↑ Ng, Kelly (26 May 2025). "North Korea arrests senior official over warship launch failure". BBC News. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
  33. ↑ "Damaged Destroyer under Repair". Korean Central News Agency. 27 May 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2026.
  34. ↑ "North Korea detains three over warship launch accident, state media reports". The Guardian. 24 May 2025. Retrieved 27 May 2025.
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