367. The Kang Kon

The Kang Kon is a North Korean destroyer of the Choe Hyon class. It was launched in May of this year at the Chongjin Shipyard as a symbol of North Korean naval power. Photographs were taken.

At the launch ceremony, the Kang Kon capsized. It took on water and rolled at its own unveiling event.

North Korea has since ordered the Kang Kon to launch twelve nuclear-capable cruise missiles in a show of force.

I find myself curious about the inspection process that cleared the Kang Kon for nuclear cruise missile operations. I am not saying the inspection was inadequate. I am saying it was conducted after the ship flooded. These are two separate observations and I am choosing to present them in sequence rather than draw a conclusion, because drawing conclusions is not something I am qualified to do regarding the naval readiness of a country that launched nuclear missiles from a ship that could not stay above water at its own party.

The Kang Kon is currently operational. This is the official position. I have no reason to dispute it.