North Korea unveils construction of massive missile warship
North Korea is likely constructing the largest warship in its history, measuring twice the size of other vessels in the country's fleet, CNN reported, citing satellite images. The ship being built at the Nampo shipyard is a missile frigate (FFG) approximately 140 metres long.
According to analysts, the images depict construction work on the vessel, including its armament. Experts assess that the ship is designed to carry missiles in vertical launch systems with targets that can be both at sea and on land.
The FFG is approximately 140 metres 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.
For comparison, the Arleigh Burke-class missile destroyers belonging to the US Navy are approximately 155 metres long.
According to former US Navy Captain Carl Schuster, it will most likely take a year or more before the new North Korean warship can begin sea trials.
Analysts also noted that the ship is likely prepared to install a phased array radar, which can track threats and targets faster and more accurately than previous tools.
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. While this is a large number of units, most of them are old and small.
The report emphasised that in the event of conflict with South Korea or the United States, the North Korean Navy would mainly focus on coastal defence, as both nations possess significantly larger naval forces.
