Recent reports indicate that North Korea is constructing new large military vessel, with a hull length of approximately 117 meters and a width of 16 meters. Construction began in May 2024, but details have only recently surfaced in open sources, shedding light on Pyongyang’s continued naval expansion efforts.
Satellite images analyzed by South Korea’s SI Analytics nK Insight and published by NK News reveal significant developments at the shipyard. The vessel is reportedly equipped with vertical launch systems (VLS) for anti-aircraft, anti-ship, and cruise missiles, along with a designated area for a forward artillery installation. The presence of such systems suggests a shift toward more capable warships, moving beyond North Korea’s previously known naval assets.
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This development follows the ongoing construction of another significant North Korean warship, a 3,000-ton vessel believed to be a frigate-class ship, potentially inspired by russia’s unrealized Project 20386 (Derzky) corvette. That ship is also expected to feature VLS capabilities, marking a substantial upgrade over North Korea’s existing Amnok-class corvettes, which have a hull length of 80 meters and rely on horizontally mounted missile launchers.
Interestingly, satellite images reveal that North Korea has covered the vessel under construction with protective screens, making it more difficult to analyze specific design features. This deliberate effort to obscure details hints at Pyongyang’s intent to keep key advancements hidden from foreign intelligence.
Despite growing concerns over North Korea’s naval ambitions, South Korean analysts have not yet speculated on potential russian involvement in these projects. However, they note that Pyongyang has been systematically enhancing its navy over the past year, addressing what was previously considered the weakest component of its military forces.
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