North Korea’s warship recovery effort at Chongjin Shipyard has entered a visible new phase, according to satellite imagery released this week. Analysts say the 5,000-ton Choe Hyon-class destroyer, which capsized during its launch on May 21, technicians have now lifted the warship upright. The bow remains on the slipway while the stern floats at a diagonal angle. This development followed over a week of silence from state media, despite earlier claims that recovery would take only a few days.
On Monday, Airbus imagery showed the ship’s new position approximately 15 meters east from where it previously lay. Analysts from 38 North published the image, noting a visible white circle at the stern. They believe it marks the helicopter pad, indicating that technicians succeeded in rebalancing the vessel. Furthermore, NK Pro superimposed the image over earlier satellite data to confirm the ship’s adjusted outline.
This warship recovery effort contradicts initial North Korean projections, which officials claimed they would right the vessel by May 26. As of Saturday, June 1, however, the ship still rested on its side. Observers now estimate the recovery took six or seven days longer than promised. Still, experts believe the timeline may satisfy Kim Jong Un’s demand for full restoration before the June party plenum.
Joseph Bermudez of the Center for Strategic and International Studies noted possible protective measures around the ship’s sonar fairing. He suggested that the vessel had either been lifted off the ground or secured to prevent further damage. Restoration crews are expected to begin assessing damage soon. Tasks likely include repairing the hull, removing saltwater corrosion, and replacing critical equipment.
North Korean state media, meanwhile, has not published any post-incident photos of the warship. No updates have emerged on the reported “criminal” investigation either, which allegedly led to arrests. This silence adds mystery to the warship recovery effort and raises questions about the project’s political sensitivity.
Despite the setbacks, the current progress allows North Korea to maintain its narrative of resilience. With the warship back in position, preparations for public appearances or propaganda coverage may soon begin. However, observers stress that real recovery depends not just on appearance, but on operational readiness and structural safety.
