North Korea constructs its largest missile frigate to date
North Korea is likely building the largest warship in its history, reportedly twice the size of other vessels in the country's fleet, CNN reported, citing satellite images. The ship under construction at the Nampo shipyard is a missile frigate (FFG) approximately 140 metres long.
According to analysts, the images show ongoing construction work on the vessel, including its armament. Experts believe the ship is designed to carry missiles in vertical launch systems capable of targeting both sea and land threats.
The FFG is approximately 140 metres (459 feet) long, making it the largest warship manufactured in North Korea, according to an analysis by Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun from the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.
In comparison, the Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyers of the US Navy are approximately 155 metres long.
According to former US Navy Captain Carl Schuster, it will likely take a year or more before the new North Korean warship is ready to begin sea trials.
Analysts also noted that the ship is probably equipped to install a phased array radar, which can track threats and targets faster and with more accuracy than previous systems.
400 patrol boats and 70 submarines
The US Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) reported in 2021 that the North Korean Navy has about 400 patrol boats and 70 submarines. Despite the large number of units, most are old and small.
The report emphasized that in the event of a conflict with South Korea or the United States, the North Korean Navy would focus primarily on coastal defence, as both nations possess significantly larger naval forces.
