Kim Jong Un reveals North Korea's 3,000-Ton Frigate Project raising speculation of Russian aid.

According to information published by Daum on December 30, 2024, North Korea revealed for the first time that it is constructing a new 3,000-ton class frigate, larger than the country’s existing 1,500-ton Amlok-class frigates.
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Kim Jong Un inspects North Korea's first 3,000-ton frigate under construction, sparking speculation of advanced missile systems and potential Russian technology transfer. (Picture source: North Korean TV)

 North Korean state media showcased photos on October 30 of Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un inspecting the frigate under construction. Experts suggest this could be North Korea's first guided missile frigate equipped with vertical launch systems (VLS), raising suspicions of possible Russian technological support.

The images, aired on Korean Central Television (KCTV), feature Kim Jong Un aboard the frigate during a site inspection. While the exact date and location of the visit were not disclosed, the frigate's scale surpasses that of the previously revealed Amlok-class.

Analysts speculate that the construction site might be the Nampo Shipyard in South Pyongan Province, a facility Kim visited earlier this year in February. At that time, he emphasized the critical importance of naval power in the nation’s five-year military development plan.

Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, noted the external design of the new frigate bears a striking similarity to Russia's Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates, which displace approximately 3,600 tons.

The potential for such collaboration has been enhanced by closer ties between Pyongyang and Moscow in recent years. Notably, Kim Jong Un outlined a vision for modernized naval armaments, including both submarines and surface vessels, during the launching ceremony of the Hero Kim Kun Ok last September. His remarks hinted at a possible strategic partnership with Russia in achieving these goals.

The revelation comes amid increasing international scrutiny of North Korea's military advancements. If the frigate is equipped with VLS, it would represent a significant leap in North Korea’s naval strike capabilities, enabling the launch of advanced anti-ship missiles or even long-range ballistic missiles. Such developments could destabilize regional security and further complicate efforts to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

Moreover, the possibility of Russian technology transfer raises alarms among Western defense analysts. Moscow, facing international sanctions and diplomatic isolation, may see military collaboration with Pyongyang as mutually beneficial. This partnership could potentially allow North Korea to modernize its conventional forces while providing Russia with additional leverage in its geopolitical strategies.