A large new type of frigate capable of launching guided missiles is being built at a shipyard in Nampo, North Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has repeatedly visited the facility. This was reported by the Korean Central News Agency.
Representatives of the shipyard in Nampo did not name the technical characteristics of the ship. But, according to Baird Maritime, the frigate received a "stealth" superstructure and vertical launchers for launching cruise missiles or long-range ballistic missiles. It is believed that this will be the largest warship built in North Korea.
What do experts say?
Hong Min, an employee of the Korean Institute for National Unification, stated that the design of the new warship resembles the frigate "Admiral Grigorovich" (the lead frigate of Project 11356R). It is in service with the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy.
Characteristics of the frigate "Admiral Grigorovich":
- Displacement — 3830 t
- Length — 124.8 m
- Width — 15.2 m
- Draft — 7.5 m (maximum)
- Engine — COGAG gas turbine power plant
- Speed — 14 knots
- Crew — 200 people
Expert Dimitris Mitsopoulos saw a resemblance between the North Korean frigate and the Russian corvette "Derzky" (Project 20386). The ship was laid down at the Northern Shipyard in 2016, and the project is under development.
Characteristics of the corvette "Derzky":
- Length — 109 m
- Width — 13 m
- Displacement — 3400 t
- Speed — 30 knots
- Range — 5000 nautical miles
- Crew — 80 people
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