"North Korea's Largest Self-Manufactured Guided Missile Corvette Spotted"

Report by CSIS North Korea-Focused Media
Largest domestically built warship spotted at Nampo Naval Shipyard
Guided missile frigate estimated at 140 meters, likely inspected by Kim Jong-un

A new type of naval guided missile frigate (FFG), estimated to be the largest among North Korea's domestically manufactured warships, has been spotted.

According to a report released on the 8th (local time) by the North Korea-focused media 'Beyond Parallel' of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), satellite images taken on the 6th captured the warship at the Nampo Naval Shipyard on North Korea's west coast. A guided missile frigate is a type of frigate equipped with guided missiles, performing multipurpose missions such as anti-air, anti-ship, and anti-submarine operations.

Generally, after a warship is launched, it undergoes outfitting work, which includes completing internal construction, installing equipment, and setting up supplies before being delivered to the navy. The North Korean guided missile frigate spotted this time is located in a floating drydock approximately 120 meters in length.

The floating drydock is installed near a recently renovated outfitting pier, with two tower cranes nearby and materials and parts arranged around to support the outfitting process. The warship is mostly covered with camouflage nets to limit identification from the air.

The media noted, "Due to the camouflage nets, precise measurements are difficult, but this guided missile frigate is estimated to be about 140 meters long, making it the largest warship constructed by North Korea," adding, "Considering the length and shape of the superstructure, it is likely the warship inspected by North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un earlier last month."

However, the media also stated, "It is unclear whether this new warship is one of the two helicopter-capable frigates (FFH) that North Korea reported to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 2023 as under construction," and added, "If this warship is equipped with helicopter operation capabilities, it would be the second case of the North Korean navy deploying a helicopter-capable vessel."