A damaged North Korean warship was moved to Rajin drydock, near the Russia border.
North Korea has transferred a 5,000-ton warship to the northeastern port of Rajin for urgent repairs after it was damaged during a failed launch event in May. New satellite images captured by Maxar Technologies show the ship resting in Rajin’s drydock—just miles from the Russian border.
While Rajin doesn’t match the capacity of North Korea’s main shipyard in Chongjin, it is equipped for basic maintenance work. The move has sparked widespread speculation that the proximity to Russia could mean Moscow might be secretly involved in helping with the repairs.
Launch Mishap Leaves Vessel Compromised
On May 21, during a launch event observed by Kim Jong Un, the warship failed to enter the water properly. The stern floated, but the front got stuck, causing the ship to lean dangerously. This likely led to structural damage and possible failure in internal compartments.
South Korea’s military downplayed visible damage but raised concerns about possible water leakage into vital parts of the ship. Analysts now say the vessel’s internal systems may be affected, which might explain the urgency behind the repair move.
Kim Jong Un Demands Swift Action Before Party Meeting
Sources close to Pyongyang say Kim Jong Un issued direct orders for the repairs to be completed within 7 to 10 days—just before the next major party meeting. State media echoed this timeline, linking the repair job to national pride and the country’s image.
“This is no ordinary maintenance task. It’s a matter of honour,” said one analyst commenting on the political pressure behind the quick turnaround.
Experts Suspect Need for Foreign Tech Support
Some experts argue that parts of the ship—especially sonar systems on the front—might have been seriously damaged and may need foreign technical help. Retired Admiral Kim Duk-ki pointed out that North Korea doesn’t have the know-how to fix advanced sonar on its own.
“If sonar systems are involved, North Korea would likely turn to either China or Russia for support,” he noted.
Although no official confirmation has been made, the drydock’s closeness to Russia is raising questions about discreet assistance being provided under the radar.
Rason Economic Zone: A Hotbed of North Korea–Russia Deals
The Rajin drydock is located within the Rason special economic zone, an area long believed to be a hub for Russia–North Korea cooperation. A 2024 report by the Modern War Institute revealed the zone has recently been used to move weapons from North Korea to Russia.
In return, Moscow has reportedly sent Pyongyang oil, military gear, and defense systems, according to UN monitors. This exchange has alarmed international observers who see it as a growing alliance between two isolated regimes.
Tighter Ties Between Moscow and Pyongyang Worry the World
This incident once again puts the spotlight on North Korea’s warming relationship with Russia. Their increasing military and economic cooperation is attracting concern globally, especially as tensions remain high due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and North Korea’s aggressive posture in East Asia.
While repairs may soon be completed, the bigger question is what these moves signal about future ties—and what the world should expect next.
