14.04.2025 10:00
Satellite images of North Korea's largest and most advanced warship have emerged. Analysts speculate that the images show the ongoing construction of the 140-meter-long guided missile frigate's weapons and other internal systems. The ship, which has received missile technology from Russia, is likely to cause significant concern for the United States.
Satellite images of North Korea's new warship have emerged. The ship is estimated to be more than twice the size of "anything" in North Korea's naval fleet, according to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
Images taken on April 6 by independent satellite providers Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs show the ship under construction in the water at the Nampo shipyard, located about 60 kilometers southwest of the capital Pyongyang on North Korea's west coast. According to CNN International, analysts believe the images show a guided missile frigate (FFG) designed to carry missiles in vertical launch tubes for use against land and sea targets, indicating ongoing construction of its weapons and other internal systems.
LENGTH OF 140 METERS
An analysis by Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun from the Center for Strategic and International Studies stated, "The FFG is approximately 140 meters long, making it the largest warship produced in North Korea." For comparison, the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers are about 153 meters long, and the under-construction Constellation-class frigates will be 151 meters long.
"MOSCOW MAY BE PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY"
As the Kim regime rapidly modernizes its armed forces, it is developing a range of new weapons and testing intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching nearly every part of the United States. North Korea has done this despite strict limitations imposed by United Nations sanctions on access to materials and technology to develop these weapons. However, analysts note that the close ties with Russia since the start of the Ukraine war may help North Korea overcome these sanctions. Retired South Korean Admiral Kim Duk-ki stated that he believes Moscow may be providing technology for the frigate's missile systems.
MAY HAVE MODERN NAVAL WEAPONS
Footage shown in a KCTV video suggests that the warship may possess weapons typical of modern navies, including vertical launch cells that can be used to fire various missiles. Analysts also noted that the ship appears to be configured to have phased array radar capable of tracking threats and targets more quickly and accurately than previously demonstrated North Korean capabilities. It is believed that Russia is providing missile technology to the ship.