Image source: topwar.ru
North Korea showed test firing of the newest Choi Hyon frigate, built in about a year, which revealed some of the weapons used in its impressive complex of vertical launchers, and also raised a number of questions for American observers.
In total, the frigate with an estimated displacement of 5,000 tons houses 74 VPU cells, presented in four different sizes and, accordingly, designed for the use of various types of missiles: 32 small cells, 12 medium-sized, 20 large and 10 very large.
In the front of the ship, behind the main gun, there are 32 small VPU cells. Immediately behind them is a row of 12 medium-sized cells. At least some of these small and medium-sized cells are loaded with surface-to-air missiles that were fired during tests and had not been encountered before.
Image source: topwar.ru
Launch of an unknown anti-aircraft missile
The VPUs at the stern of the ship consist of 8 and 12 cells, similar in size to the average cells on the bow, but different in shape. They launch two different types of cruise missiles. One of them, apparently, is the long-range subsonic Hwasal-2 or its modification. According to Pyongyang, the missile has a strategic potential, which implies the possibility of equipping it with a special warhead.
Image source: topwar.ru
The alleged launch of the Hwasal-2 cruise missile
The other missile, launched from the stern, could not be identified by American observers, but North Korean media called it a "supersonic cruise missile."
Image source: topwar.ru
Launch of an unknown supersonic cruise missile
It has a "dolphin-shaped" (curved) front section, which was previously found in the designs of missiles with a hypersonic ramjet engine. According to American observers, the exotic form of traction is one of the ways to achieve high speeds.
Image source: topwar.ru
"Dolphin-shaped" front section of a supersonic cruise missile
There are 10 very large cells in the VPUs located closest to the flight deck. The type of missiles stationed in them remains a mystery. However, the most likely option is a ballistic missile, possibly the Hwasong-11. Earlier, South Korea deployed a ballistic missile on a surface ship.
Image source: topwar.ru
The artillery consists of a 127 mm main cannon and two six-barreled 30 mm AK-630 automatic artillery systems mounted on both sides of the ship. The AK-630 is complemented by a melee missile system, which is apparently a modification of the Russian Pantsir-ME missile defense system.
Image source: topwar.ru
Observers from the United States believe that the new DPRK ship is able to become a powerful platform for launching long-range missiles, but the high role of the frigate may make it a priority target in the event of a conflict.
In general, the appearance of the frigate in the North Korean media space is regarded in the American press as a demonstration of Pyongyang's symbolic capabilities.:
