New satellite images published by CNN show that North Korea is building what may be its biggest warship yet.
The guided-missile frigate (FFG) is under construction at the Nampo Navy Shipyard, about 60 kilometers southwest of Pyongyang, according to satellite images taken by Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs on April 6.
CNN reports that North Korea is building the largest warship in its arsenal, measuring 140 meters in length.
It is stated that the missile frigate will be equipped with vertical launch systems (VLS) for firing missiles at both aerial and ground targets.
The country is likely… pic.twitter.com/bfHEtce35D
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“The FFG is approximately 140 meters (459 feet) long, making it the largest warship manufactured in North Korea,” Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun from the Center for Strategic and International Studies said in their analysis.
Analysts believe the ship could be armed with vertical missile launchers and advanced radar. It may also be able to carry helicopters. If so, it would only be the second North Korean warship with that capability.
Kim Duk-ki, a retired South Korean admiral, told CNN that Russia may be assisting with the ship’s missile system technology.
Earlier reports claimed that Russia has been providing North Korea with advanced military technologies, including missile components, air defense systems, and potentially nuclear submarine designs, in exchange for North Korean military support in Ukraine.
Currently, North Korea operates around 400 patrol boats and 70 submarines, though most are considered old and relatively small. According to Joseph Dempsey, an analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, the country has only two main surface combat ships, both dating back to the early 1970s.
Aside from the FFG, North Korea is also building a nuclear-powered submarine in Sinpo and another large ship in Chongjin.
