Design Similar to "Admiral Grigorovich" and "Derzky": Experts See Resemblance Between New North Korean Frigate and Russian Ships

A large new type of frigate capable of launching guided missiles is under construction at a shipyard in Nampo, North Korea. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has repeatedly visited the facility, according to the Korean Central News Agency.

Representatives of the Nampo shipyard did not disclose the ship's technical characteristics. However, according to Baird Maritime, the frigate received a "stealth" superstructure and vertical launch systems 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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