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North Korea recovered the capsized destroyer and moored it at northeastern port of Chongjin, state media confirmed Friday.
The state-run South Korea Central News Agency said naval experts will inspect the ship’s hull and then move to a dry dock at nearby Rajn Port, where the restoration work is expected to take between seven and 10 days.
The development coincides with ratings taken from South Korea’s military and satellite images, as well as ratings taken by Planet Labs on Thursday, showing the warship floating upright just days after its listing after its launch in late May.
The extent of the damage remains unknown, but analysts say the vessel appears to be stable enough for inspection and transportation.
Joe Chun Ryong, a senior ruling party official, said North Korea would ensure that “the complete repair of the destroyer is guaranteed to be completed.”
The 4,500 metric ton destroyer reportedly suffered damage at the launch ceremony, and Kim accused him of “criminal acts caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism.”
At least four staff members have been arrested, including the deputy director of the Workers’ Party’s ammunition industry. The national media vowed that the person responsible will be “bear responsibility for unacceptable criminal conduct.”
The most sophisticated of the administration
South Korean military spokesman Lee Sang-jun said the North had corrected the warship earlier this week, and is currently eliminating water and assessing internal damage.
“The nature and duration of the repair process will depend on whether internal repairs, additional work or whether an incident has affected the keel,” he added, noting that this could affect future developments.
The destroyer is North Korea’s second class and is part of a broader push to modernize Kim’s naval capabilities.
The vessel is reportedly similar to the one released by Nampo in April, and is described by experts as the most sophisticated warship to date, allowing for the deployment of ballistic and cruise missiles that correspond to anti-aircraft, counter-ships and nuclear weapons.
While Pyongyang’s naval forces are lagging behind regional rivals, analysts argue that modern destroyers will still enhance both their offensive reach and defense.
South Korean officials suspect that Russian technical assistance played a role in the construction of the vessel. This is to deepen military cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
Kim hosted Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shuigu in Pyongyang this week in another exhibit strengthening bilateral relations.
Western officials have expressed concern that North Korean missiles, artillery and even military supply to support Russian wars in Ukraine might in return be rewarded with advanced military technology.
Kim argues that his military accumulation is necessary to counter what is considered hostile actions by the US and South Korea, which have intensified joint exercises in response to North Korea’s arms development.
The North Korean leader has said that acquiring nuclear submarines is his next goal: to strengthen the strength of the navy.
