New satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs has revealed the construction of what analysts believe is North Korea’s largest warship to date.
The vessel, spotted at the Nampo shipyard on the country's west coast, is estimated to be around 140 meters (459 feet) long—more than twice the size of any other ship in Pyongyang’s fleet.
According to experts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies, the warship is likely a guided-missile frigate (FFG) equipped with vertical launch systems capable of targeting both land and sea. State media previously showed Kim Jong Un inspecting this vessel, indicating its significance in North Korea’s military ambitions.
Advanced weaponry and foreign assistance suspected
The ship appears designed to carry modern naval systems, such as phased-array radar and vertical launch cells, technologies seen in advanced navies.
Analysts suggest North Korea may be receiving technical support from Russia, possibly to circumvent UN sanctions and accelerate weapons development. Retired South Korean Admiral Kim Duk-ki suspects Russian involvement in the frigate’s missile systems.
Questions over capability and cost
Despite the apparent progress, some experts are skeptical about North Korea's ability to produce a fully operational modern warship.
Carl Schuster, a former US Navy captain, noted the complexity of integrating weapons, sensors, and electronic systems. South Korean lawmaker Kim Byung-kee questioned Pyongyang's capacity to operate such a large vessel, given budget constraints and the need for an entire support fleet.
Aging fleet gets an upgrade
North Korea currently has a sizable navy, including about 400 patrol boats and 70 submarines, but most vessels are outdated. Its main surface ships—two Najin-class frigates from the 1970s—are considered obsolete.
However, the regime is aggressively modernizing. It is also developing submarine-launched missiles and larger subs to carry them.
Future naval infrastructure in progress
To support the expansion, Kim Jong Un has called for a new naval port to accommodate the growing fleet.
In September, he stressed the urgency of completing facilities for large surface vessels and submarines. South Korean lawmaker Yu Yong-won confirmed ongoing projects, including a nuclear-powered submarine in Sinpo and another large warship in Chongjin.
Conclusion: A growing threat despite challenges
While technical and financial hurdles remain, North Korea’s ongoing efforts to modernize its navy could eventually reshape the regional security landscape. If the new frigate is equipped with hypersonic ballistic missiles—like those Pyongyang claims to have tested—it could be a game-changer, analysts warn.
Though still under construction, the vessel is expected to take at least another year before it begins sea trials, with experts cautioning against underestimating its potential capabilities.
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
