North Korea Navy plans to construct two new frigates.

According to information published by Radio Free Asia on June 27, 2023, North Korea has reportedly registered two new frigates with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), stating that they will be constructed in 2026.
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Former Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong-il and a Najin-class frigate. (Picture source: China.com.cn)

This marks the first time since 2014 that the DPRK has registered new frigates with the IMO. The frigates, named FFH-3 and FFH-4, have been given unique IMO numbers for identification purposes. Despite the registration, details about the new frigates remain undisclosed.

US naval experts don't anticipate these new frigates to pose a significant threat to the US or South Korea, interpreting the move as a strategic message that the DPRK continues to focus on traditional weaponry.

Ken Gause, the Director of the US Naval Analysis Center, has stated that although the new frigates might add slight firepower to the DPRK's capabilities, they don't pose a significant threat.

It's considered primarily a strategic message that the DPRK concentrates on conventional capability, especially in the maritime space. He further added that more observation and time would be needed to evaluate the capabilities of these frigates.

Terence Roehrig, a professor at the U.S. Naval War College, expressed a similar view, stating that it's difficult to know the capabilities of the new frigates until their operation is observed in more detail.

However, he does not expect the frigates to represent a significant upgrade from previous models, and does not foresee them posing a substantial threat to South Korea or the US navy.

North Korean's Frigates & Corvettes

Among their fleet, two Najin-class light frigates stand out. These vessels, originating from North Korea, have been in service for a considerable period, symbolizing the longstanding naval heritage of the country.

One of these veteran frigates underwent modernization in 2014, indicating the Korean People's Navy's effort to maintain and update their naval capabilities despite the vessels' age.

In addition to the frigates, the navy operates several corvettes, which are smaller, maneuverable, lightly armed warships. The Korean People's Navy currently operates one Amnok-class corvette, believed to be built on a Krivak class hull, demonstrating some level of adaptation and customization in their naval fleet.

Furthermore, there are two Nampo-class (also referred to as the Tuman class) corvettes, with the possibility of another currently under construction. The navy also operates four Sariwon-class corvettes, based on the Tral-class design.

Lastly, the Korean People's Navy utilizes a Fugas-class minesweeper corvette, originating from the Soviet Union. This ship, transferred to North Korea in 1953, serves as a testament to the enduring naval relationship between the two nations.