North Korea says it righted a capsized destroyer and moored it at a pier in the northeastern port of Chongjin as it continues to repair a new warship leader Kim Jong Un has described as a significant asset for his nuclear-armed military.

North Korea has righted a naval ship that capsized and was damaged during a botched launch in May, restoring its balance and mooring it to a pier, state media confirmed.

North Korea has raised its capsized destroyer and begun repairs ahead of a June party congress, with the warship playing a key role in Kim Jong Un’s military modernization efforts amid growing ties with Russia.