The transfer and restoration of North Korea's second Choe Hyon-class destroyer suggests the regime is committed to expanding and modernizing the Korean People’s Navy despite setbacks.

After a failed launch and an inspection by a Central Military Commission team, North Korea moved quickly to repair and restore the destroyer, indicating high-level prioritization of warship projects.

Satellite imagery shows the No. 28 Shipyard (Rajin Dockyard) was cleared and prepared specifically for the arrival and restoration of North Korea’s new destroyer, underscoring the project's logistical and strategic importance.

Key components of the new destroyer, such as vertical launch missile systems and superstructure, were covered with netting to limit overhead visibility, demonstrating North Korea’s concern with operational security and international monitoring.

Once repairs and restoration work are completed, the destroyer will likely move to the fitting-out dock for weapons installation and subsequent commissioning, signaling that the vessel could soon become operational.

North Korea’s damaged second Choe Hyon-class guided-missile destroyer was moved to Najin Shipyard for critical repairs following a failed launch in May 2025.

Satellite images revealed sensitive sections of the destroyer, such as the VLS, turret mount, mast, and superstructure, were netted to reduce overhead observation at Najin.

The No. 28 Shipyard at Najin has produced larger Korean People’s Navy warships, including Najin and Tumen class missile frigates, for over 40 years.

Ri Hyong Son, vice department director of the Munitions Industry Department, was found largely responsible for the destroyer accident; his status remains undisclosed.

The Najin-class frigate stationed at Najin may be updated, but current repair or shipbuilding projects take priority at the shipyard.

There is speculation that a Najin class frigate in North Korea is due for upgrades, but other repair or construction programs have taken precedence.