North Korea has arrested several top engineers following a failed launch of a new 5,000-tonne warship, state media reported on Sunday, marking a significant setback for the country’s efforts to project military strength.

The incident, which reportedly occurred at the Chongjin port in the country’s northeast, unfolded in the presence of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, adding to the embarrassment of Pyongyang’s leadership. Satellite images analysed by the US-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) show the warship lying on its side, covered in blue tarps, with its stern swung out into the harbour while the bow remains on the slipway.

Kim has reportedly promised “strong punishment” for those held responsible. According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the chief engineer of the Chongjin Shipyard was among those detained as the investigation intensified.

Experts note that the mishap occurred in front of a large crowd, amplifying public humiliation for the regime, which has been keen to showcase its growing military capabilities amid rising tensions in the region.

In a separate statement, KCNA said that a rehabilitation plan to restore the warship is underway, with orders from Kim for its completion before a ruling party meeting scheduled in June.

Amid concerns over the increasing US military presence in the region, North Korea reiterated its commitment to “thoroughly contain and control all sorts of military threats from the enemy countries,” citing remarks from the policy chief at the defence ministry.

The launch failure is likely to impact North Korea’s broader naval ambitions and comes at a time when the country has been intensifying efforts to bolster its armed forces despite international sanctions and diplomatic isolation.