North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), has revealed the construction of a secret warship at the Nampo shipyard. The discovery emerged through footage broadcast by Korean Central Television during the 11th General Assembly of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
Construction Evidence
Reports indicate that the construction of the ship, whose class and capabilities remain unknown, had been concealed. Satellite images of the shipyard in October 2024 showed the vessel covered by camouflage nets. Since May, poles and mesh structures had been erected to shield the developing structure.
The Nampo shipyard is known for hosting significant naval projects in the DPRK, such as the Amnok or Nampo-class ships, currently the largest vessels in North Korea’s navy since the Najin-class frigates of the 1970s.
Technical Details of the Ship
Experts believe the new ship may feature universal vertical missile launchers for cruise missiles. Initial analysis suggests:
- Main Armament: Likely installation of artillery between 57 mm and 100 mm, possibly a version of the Italian Oto Melara Rapid naval gun.
- Missiles: Speculation surrounds the inclusion of launchers for Hwasal-2 cruise missiles with a range of up to 2,000 km.
- Air Defense: Until now, the DPRK has relied on artillery or portable anti-air missile systems. However, recent cooperation with Russia could indicate the introduction of new air defense systems.
- Torpedoes: 533 mm torpedo tubes, already present on Amnok-class ships, may be included.
Advanced Capabilities
Photos displayed structural details:
- Openings below the bridge suggest space for radar with phased array antennas.
- The hull geometry indicates the possible inclusion of a bow sonar station in a “drop” shape, similar to systems used on Western ships like the U.S. Arleigh Burke-class destroyer.
- The estimated width of the ship is 15 meters, one-third larger than the Amnok-class ships.
Geopolitical Implications
In 2023, an Amnok-class ship successfully launched a long-range cruise missile into the Sea of Japan. This new project, with even greater capabilities, highlights the DPRK’s ambitions to expand its naval influence and strengthen its military presence in the region.
Analysts suggest the DPRK may rely on technical support from Russia to optimize the new ship’s capabilities. This cooperation could significantly alter the final arsenal of the project.
The Future of the Project
Although many details remain unknown, the ship under construction could represent a milestone for North Korea’s navy, offering greater autonomy and operational versatility. International observers will continue to monitor the development of this project, which could redefine the naval balance in the Asia-Pacific region.
Source: Korean Central Television, analysis by HI Sutton. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
