Image source: topwar.ru
The North Korean army is actively replenishing with new types of weapons and military equipment. At the same time, taking into account the international sanctions imposed on the DPRK a long time ago, Pyongyang is developing its military-industrial complex almost independently.
There are unconfirmed suggestions that China and, more recently, Russia are helping the DPRK in this regard.
At the same time, all developments, weapons production, and equipment of the army in North Korea are mostly classified. Although some information becomes the property of the media. In addition, North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un often personally visits the training grounds where North Korean soldiers are trained and military-industrial complex innovations are being tested. After that, some pictures are published in the Central Telegraphic Agency of Korea (KCNA).
In particular, the South Korean online publication Beyond Parallel (CSIS project), analyzing satellite images taken on April 6 by the American company Maxar Technologies, suggested that they could show perhaps the largest warship built in North Korea. Most likely, this is a new guided missile frigate (FFG) in the "equipment" dock at the Nampho Naval Shipyard.
The new FFG is located in a 120-meter-long floating dry dock and is mostly covered with mesh to limit the view from above. Apparently, the ship is almost completely completed and is currently undergoing the process of "equipping" it, during which internal construction is being completed, equipment is being installed and supplies are being loaded before it is handed over to the DPRK Navy.
The floating dry dock is located next to the newly renovated ship completion dock, with two tower cranes and a warehouse of materials and parts prepared for the completion of the vessel. Despite the fact that the ship is covered with a special net, its length is approximately 140 meters, which makes the frigate the largest warship built in North Korea. Judging by the estimated length and shape of the superstructure, this is a ship that was visited by North Korean President Kim Jong-un in early March 2025.
Image source: topwar.ru
According to a newly published analysis of satellite images of new North Korean warships under construction, they will be able to carry 50 or more missiles on board, the Reuters news agency reported on April 2. As they say, "they can see everything from above..."
Image source: topwar.ru
So, the American expert Jeffrey Lewis identified at least 32 places for vertical launch installations for cruise or / and anti-ship or / and anti-aircraft missiles in the front of one of the ships (in the area of the shipyard in Nampho).
Adaptations to the AFP are also noticeable in the rear of the case, although in a much smaller number (but not less than 18 units).
Thus, the DPRK is rapidly moving towards the appearance of the first guided missile ships in its Navy with quite relevant design layout solutions.
