New satellite images reveal North Korea is building a massive warship, possibly with Russian help.
The vessel is being constructed at the Nampo shipyard on the country’s west coast.
Experts say it’s likely a guided-missile frigate, designed for land and sea attacks.
Warship Details
The ship measures around 140 meters long, making it North Korea’s largest warship.
It’s similar in size to the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Constellation-class frigates.
Analysts believe the warship will be equipped with vertical-launch missiles.
North Korea’s Military Expansion
This new warship is part of North Korea’s rapid military modernization.
The country has developed new weapons and tested intercontinental ballistic missiles that can reach most of the US.
Despite UN sanctions limiting access to necessary materials, North Korea’s deepening ties with Russia may be helping them circumvent these restrictions.
- North Korea’s navy currently has around 400 warships and 70 submarines, according to a 2021 US intelligence report.
- Most of these vessels are old and small, built in the 1970s, and would likely only be able to defend the coastline in the event of a war.
Russian Involvement
Admiral Kim Deok-ki, a retired South Korean naval officer, suggests Russia may be providing North Korea with missile technology for the new frigate.
This potential cooperation comes amid Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is pushing to modernize the country’s naval fleet and develop submarine-launched missiles.
This new warship is a significant step in that direction, potentially giving North Korea a more formidable naval presence.
The source of this information is CNN.