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New satellite imagery has revealed that North Korea is building what appears to be its largest domestically produced warship to date.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, North Korea has a navy that—while traditionally focused on coastal defense—is undergoing a noticeable modernization effort. The Korean People’s Navy consists of roughly 400 patrol boats and 70 submarines, though most are small, outdated vessels with limited capabilities compared to the naval forces of South Korea or the United States. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has recently called for the construction of new naval bases to accommodate larger and more modern warships. There is also credible analysis suggesting foreign technical assistance from Russia, which could be helping North Korea overcome sanctions-related technology barriers—particularly in missile and propulsion systems.
What’s going on now: New photos released by Maxar Technologies have revealed what appears to be North Korea’s largest domestically produced warship under construction at the Nampo Naval Shipyard. The satellite imagery, captured in early April, shows the vessel on a floating dry dock along the country’s west coast, measuring roughly 460 feet in length—significantly larger than any known warship in the North Korean fleet to date.
Analysts from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) believe the ship is a guided missile frigate in its final outfitting phase, positioned near a recently refurbished pier with cranes and materials staged nearby to support continued assembly. The ship is partially obscured by camouflage netting but exhibits structural features such as deck cavities large enough to house vertical launch systems (VLS), which would allow it to fire a range of anti-ship, land-attack, and potentially air-defense missiles—a first for the Korean People’s Navy.
Despite the vessel’s apparent size and potential firepower, many analysts have downplayed the ship. Some point out that building the hull and propulsion system is relatively straightforward, but modern warships rely on the integration of advanced communications, radar, electronic warfare systems, and weapons—all of which are difficult to produce under international sanctions.
This all comes as North Korea has significantly deepened its military alliance with Russia by deploying over 12,000 troops to support Russia’s war in Ukraine. In return for this support, Russia has provided North Korea with advanced military technology, including air defense systems and missile technology. Some have questioned whether Russia is assisting North Korea with its naval program.
