New satellite photos suggest North Korea is building its largest warship to date, which may be over 140 meters long. This new vessel, spotted at the Nampo shipyard near the capital Pyongyang, is significant as it could be a guided-missile frigate, capable of launching missiles from vertical tubes aimed at both land and sea targets.
Experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun, highlight that this is the largest warship created in North Korea. For context, it’s important to note that the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are around 154 meters long, making the North Korean ship a smaller, yet notable development for Pyongyang’s military.
The construction is part of North Korea’s ongoing effort to modernize its military. Despite facing strict UN sanctions, which limit access to materials and technology, the regime has pushed forward. Analysts speculate that tighter partnerships with Russia, especially since the onset of the Ukraine conflict, may be helping North Korea to acquire the necessary technology to build such advanced vessels. Retired South Korean admiral Kim Duk-ki believes that Russia could be contributing to the missile systems fitted on the new frigate.
Previous reports from state-run media showed North Korean leader Kim inspecting the ship last year. The weapons securing capabilities of this ship are seen to match those of modern navies. It may even include sophisticated phased-array radar technology, which would allow for faster and more precise threat tracking.
However, experts are cautious. Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain, points out that while shipbuilding might seem simple, modern warships require complex integration of various technologies. South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-kee expressed skepticism about whether North Korea possesses the technical expertise or budget to effectively operate such a large warship and maintain a supporting crew and infrastructure.
The capabilities of North Korea’s navy remain limited, with an estimated 400 vessels primarily made up of older patrol boats and 70 submarines, according to a 2021 report from the US Defense Intelligence Agency. Nevertheless, Kim is determined to modernize his navy, with ongoing projects including a nuclear-powered submarine and additional surface combatants.
In recent developments, Kim has emphasized the importance of constructing new naval facilities to accommodate larger ships. Addressing the need for modern ports is becoming increasingly urgent as North Korea moves toward modernizing its naval fleet.
The world watches closely as these developments unfold. The new frigate and its capabilities could significantly impact regional security, especially if equipped with advanced weaponry, including potentially hypersonic missiles. This ongoing shipbuilding effort marks another significant step in North Korea’s military ambitions and modernization strategies.
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