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North Korea Reveals its Largest Guided Missile Frigate Signaling a New Step in Naval Power Projection.
New satellite imagery dated April 21, 2025, confirms significant progress in North Korea’s naval program. The guided missile frigate under construction at Nampho Navy Shipyard is now largely visible, with most of its camouflage netting removed. According to images from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), the vessel, measuring approximately 142 meters in length, is currently in the "fitting out" phase—one of the final stages before operational deployment. This makes it the largest surface combatant ever built by the Korean People’s Navy (KPN), far exceeding the dimensions of previous classes such as the Amnok or Duman.
This new frigate could represent a prototype aimed at strengthening North Korea’s surface fleet within the broader context of ongoing naval modernization (Picture source: CNN/Maxar via Twitter/The Global Observer)
Construction of the frigate began in May 2024 on a 170-meter drydock at Nampho, located on North Korea’s western coast. A large assembly hall was quickly erected, blocking satellite observation until late 2024. It was only in March 2025 that the ship was transferred to a floating dry dock adjacent to the main quay, initiating the installation of internal systems and final equipment.
Between April 11 and 21, 2025, multiple satellite images released by Maxar Technologies show steady progress. On April 11, the netting over the bow and central sections of the vessel had been partially removed, revealing possible work on a sonar dome at the bow, where a small floating drydock had been positioned. By April 18, cranes and barges were observed on the starboard side, likely engaged in work on the central superstructure. On April 21, most of the netting had been taken off, offering a more complete view of the vessel.
However, the exact configuration of its armament remains unknown due to the resolution limits of the imagery. CSIS notes that the current layout of the aft deck does not yet confirm the ship's ability to support helicopter operations, contrary to earlier assessments suggesting a possible helicopter-capable frigate variant (FFGH).
The vessel’s overall appearance and dimensions resemble those of modern frigates such as the U.S. Navy’s Constellation-class, leading to speculation about the presence of vertical launch systems (VLS) and active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars. Nonetheless, North Korea’s ability to integrate such modern combat systems and sensors remains questionable. Previous North Korean vessels have featured a combination of outdated technologies, such as the Soviet-era MR-104 “Drum Tilt” radar, and locally produced systems with limited interoperability.
This new frigate could represent a prototype aimed at strengthening North Korea’s surface fleet within the broader context of ongoing naval modernization, which also includes the construction of ballistic missile-capable submarines like the Kim Gun-ok Hero, observed at Sinpo. Some analysts have suggested possible Russian technological support in these projects, particularly in light of Ukrainian allegations regarding the transfer of submarine missile-launch technology.
Nampho Shipyard, the headquarters of the West Sea Fleet, is undergoing expansion. Construction of a second vessel of the same class may be underway, supported by the development of new logistics infrastructure. Additional fuel storage tanks have been identified, indicating increased logistical capacity at the site.
Despite these developments, the Korean People’s Navy remains a limited-capability force, often described as a "green-water navy" with operations largely restricted to coastal waters. The 2014 South Korean Defense White Paper estimated the KPN’s fleet at roughly 750 surface vessels and 70 submarines, primarily composed of small, aging torpedo boats and patrol craft.
If brought to full operational capability, the new frigate may represent an attempt by Pyongyang to expand its regional power projection, particularly in the Yellow Sea. However, its future effectiveness will depend less on size than on the successful integration of modern propulsion, detection, and weapons systems. At this stage, analysts remain cautious: while North Korea’s naval modernization efforts appear ambitious, they continue to face significant technological, economic, and operational challenges.