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North Korea Constructs Largest Warship Yet, Satellite Images Confirm

New imagery from April 6 reveals ongoing construction of a 140-meter guided-missile frigate, marking a significant step in Pyongyang's naval modernization efforts.

Image
In this undated photo provided on March 8, 2025, by the North Korean government, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, visits a shipyard to construct warships at an undisclosed place in North Korea. This image could not be independently verified.
An image from Korean Central Television shows leader Kim Jong Un checking the work on a new warship late last year.

Overview

  • Satellite imagery from April 6, 2025, confirms the construction of North Korea's largest warship, a guided-missile frigate, at the Nampho shipyard.
  • The 140-meter vessel is designed to feature advanced systems, including vertical launch tubes and phased-array radar, reflecting a technical leap for North Korea's navy.
  • Experts estimate that the integration of sophisticated weapon, sensor, and communication systems could delay the ship's sea trials by at least a year.
  • The construction aligns with North Korea's broader naval upgrade strategy, which includes new shipbuilding facilities and a nuclear-powered submarine under development.
  • Analysts suggest potential Russian technological support may be aiding North Korea in overcoming sanctions-related challenges for advanced military capabilities.