North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has strongly criticized the failure during the launch of a 5,000-tonne warship in Chongjin. The vessel lost balance and toppled during the ceremony on Wednesday. Satellite images showed the damaged ship covered with blue tarps, with parts submerged in water.

Kim blamed military officials, engineers, and shipyard workers for the accident, calling it a result of carelessness and irresponsibility. He accused them of relying on unscientific methods, which led to the failure. The incident marks a serious setback in North Korea’s naval modernization efforts.

The failure follows North Korea’s recent success in launching the Choe Hyon, the country’s first modern destroyer equipped with advanced weapons including nuclear-capable missiles. Intelligence reports suggest Russian assistance helped develop this warship. Kim’s plan is to build a strong navy to defend against perceived threats from the US and its allies.

Following the accident, authorities arrested four high-ranking officials. Ri Hyong-son, deputy director of the munitions industry department, was named largely responsible. The chief engineer, head of the hull construction workshop, and deputy manager for administration were also detained. The shipyard director was questioned but no official charges were confirmed. Such public arrests for military failures are rare in North Korea and show the seriousness of this incident.

North Korean media described the damage as minor, saying repairs would take about ten days. Experts are skeptical, given the visible damage to the vessel. Despite this setback, North Korea continues to focus on its naval buildup, which it says is necessary to protect the country from Western aggression.

Kim’s public condemnation and the arrests reveal the high priority placed on military advancement in North Korea. This event highlights the challenges the country faces in modernizing its navy. The failed launch may slow progress but is unlikely to stop ongoing military development.