The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the 5,000-ton destroyer, named after North Korea’s historical naval hero Kang Kon, was launched at a shipyard in the northeastern port city of Rajin after weeks of repair work.
The country's leader Kim Jong-un oversaw the launch along with his daughter, Ju-ae, who was dressed in a white romper and looked more mature than in her previous public appearances.
Kang Kon was an "anti-Japanese revolutionary fighter" who served as North Korea's first army chief until he died during the Korean War.
Under Kim's orders to complete repairs by the end of June, the damaged destroyer was raised within just two weeks and fully restored in less than a month.
According to KCNA, Kim "awarded commemorative copper coins to major commanding officers of the destroyer and had a photo session" with them, with plans to build more such vessels in the coming years.
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