DPRK Navy ships

On "X" the author made another hypothesis for this new frigate.
https://twitter.com/x/status/1915024887388967155
View: https://x.com/Darkstar_OSINT/status/1915024887388967155

It is certainly possible also in a version without anti-submarine helicopter, but with numerous silos for the vertical launch of missiles.
However I think that the author has drawn the 2 RBU-6000 positioned at the bow too small, two of the original ones could hardly be placed in that area, but even if it was only one, the dimensions could interfere with the turret's firing angle similar to the 76/62.
But probably not even two North Korean-built 10-tube ASW rocket launchers (which resemble the RBU-6000) like those installed on the new submarine chaser.
I still tend to think that if ASW launchers were to be placed in that area, the choice would fall on the RBU-1200, which are smaller in size, similar to the choice made also by Myanmar for their new frigates.
It seems to me instead that the author has exaggerated the size of the area that goes from the tip of the ship's bow to the command superstructure.
Anyway, I repeat, the one on "X" is an interesting interpretation.
Screenshot_2025-04-24-13-41-03-600~2.jpeg
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Screenshot_2025-04-24-13-41-35-948~2.jpeg
Screenshot_2025-04-24-13-41-56-329~2.jpeg
 
Just like I thought: no ASW helicopter.

Interestingly, the Chinese concept suggests that the VLS that North Korea will use will be a multi-purpose one (like those of the US or China) rather than clearly divided into different functions (like those of Russia). Although this can only be known for sure once the vessel is launched and images of it are released on KCNA...
 
Remaining at the level of hypothesis, I made a hybrid using my hypothesis and the one published above, modifying some elements, such as the funnel, replacing the RBU-ASWs and adding the possibility of using drone helicopters at least as large as the one inspected by Kim Jong-un adapted to military tasks.
DPRK frigate-2-4.jpg
PYH2024010311190004200_P4.jpg
 
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In the image above in the large opening in the centre of the ship they have positioned a small craft, this opening, as from the leaked photos is closed with movable panels,
but another photo has also appeared
24-12537888-1-4.jpg
which makes me ask the question:
are we sure that the missiles that will be on board the frigate are only vertically launched missiles?
Because there seem to be 2 missile canisters, which reminded me of the launching of cruise missiles from the corvette Amnok, with the difference that while those Amnoks were cylindrical for the Hwasal-1/2, while these are square shaped similar to this one in the photo
PYH2023081401550032500_P4.jpg
who knows maybe they will use something bigger than the Hwasal-1/2

DPRK frigate-2-6.jpg
 
ValiantHeart said:
Looks like she still have helipad.

Construction of New North Korean Warship for Deep Sea Operations ― April 25, 2025 – SI Analytics

si-analytics.ai si-analytics.ai
View attachment 768016
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And also appears to glimpse the superstructure of a helicopter hangar.
With this image many designs need to be redone.
Perhaps the aft part of my first drawing comes in handy.
PS
in the area where the smokestack seems to be on its structure toward the bow of the ship, it looks like they will install something (electronic sensors ?)
 
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sahureka said:
And also appears to glimpse the superstructure of a helicopter hangar.
With this image many designs need to be redone.
Perhaps the aft part of my first drawing comes in handy.
PS
in the area where the smokestack seems to be on its structure toward the bow of the ship, it looks like they will install something (electronic sensors ?)
Click to expand...
with the changes made thanks to the elements visible from the new satellite photo
DPRK frigate-2-7.jpg
 
Great work Sahureka. Have you found any additional details to try to have a stab at drawing the new DPRK SSBN?
 
Are the 10 large doors at the rear of the 'destroyer' for the naval version of the KN-23 or Hwasong-11?
 
Some personal analysis:
  • The 100/130mm gun was the first surprise, as initially it was expected that she would be armed with a stealthy OTO Melara 76mm gun. The design looked Chinese.
  • There are 3 types of VLS seen: 12 medium-sized cells at the front are probably for launching cruise missiles, 10 large cells at the rear (tail) are for launching ballistic missiles. The rest are smaller cells for launching naval SAMs.
  • The original design seemed to have called for the phased array radar panels to be mounted below the bridge, a location that many considered suboptimal. It seems Kim and his engineers read that and moved them up the mast :V
  • In the middle of the hull is a hangar-type structure similar to that found on the Amnok/Tuman-class frigates. More cruise missiles?
  • A whole Kashtan CIWS!!! For real!!!
  • Another angle shows two small helicopter hangars leading to the helipad. Small enough to fit a helicopter UAV in, and there are two of them.
 
P.S. IMHO, but the rear superstructure was initially intended as helicopter hangar, and then repurposed for heavy missile tubes. If you look closely, the big missile containers roof isn't exactly aligned with the superstructure wall edges; it looks like insertion. And there are some lines on rear wall that looks suspiciously like painted-over hangar door.

My IMHO, the rear superstructure is modular, and could be easilly repurposed either as ballistic missile launch systems (for deterrence patrols in home waters), or as heliopter hangar (for oversea deployment)
 
ValiantHeart said:
Some personal analysis:
  • The original design seemed to have called for the phased array radar panels to be mounted below the bridge, a location that many considered suboptimal. It seems Kim and his engineers read that and moved them up the mast :V
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maybe the holes below the bridge were for easy access/changeover to radar/CIC equipments.
as it still covered by removeable panel now.
(otherwise it should be welded if not needed anymore).
PIC0090363.jpg
 
a5mg4n said:
maybe the holes below the bridge were for easy access/changeover to radar/CIC equipments.
as it still covered by removeable panel now.
(otherwise it should be welded if not needed anymore).
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IMHO the most likely answer is it isn't there yet. Of course, those can be access hatches for equipment...but count me very doubtful.

Ship was mastered up for the ceremony and initial trials to avoid delays, but not everything is installed just yet.
 
Ainen said:
IMHO the most likely answer is it isn't there yet. Of course, those can be access hatches for equipment...but count me very doubtful.
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Well, considering that its DPRK first attempt to build something as complex and big - it's stand to reason that they erred toward caution, and made vital components easy to access (in case they would require some major rework).
 
Dilandu said:
Well, considering that its DPRK first attempt to build something as complex and big - it's stand to reason that they erred toward caution, and made vital components easy to access (in case they would require some major rework).
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Or maybe indeed. Front hatches are obvious, place for rear ones(above ciws) is relatively limited even for smaller rectangular arrays....

The question is whether they need separate arrays for fire control, or big 4(probably in normal S band) is enough.
 
Dilandu said:
Well, considering that its DPRK first attempt to build something as complex and big - it's stand to reason that they erred toward caution, and made vital components easy to access (in case they would require some major rework).
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"Great Leader (or whatever Un's "leader name" is), because this is our first attempt at building a ship of this complexity, it is possible that the examples of the Western Imperialists may lead us down mistaken paths and it will require some rework."
 
Scott Kenny said:
"Great Leader (or whatever Un's "leader name" is), because this is our first attempt at building a ship of this complexity, it is possible that the examples of the Western Imperialists may lead us down mistaken paths and it will require some rework."
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We may smirk, but that's a 5000t ship worked up from keel to trials in ~400 days.

General suit seems:
4-face multipurpose ESA; visible nav radars, two gfcs ESA arrays in front. Surprisingly extensive visible ESM/EW installations. Something that looks like PLAN-styled countermeasures/short range asw launchers.

Single stack with either access hatch or ASCM "hangar". For now I'll lean towards access, it's already armed to the teeth and more.
Hard to guess powerplant for now.

40(32+8)+20(12+8)+10 VLS in "two-ended" configuration, replacing proper helicopter hangar. Pad is still there, as there are two smaller drone hangars.
First type are likely for some moderate-sized, likely yet unknown SAMs. Second - ASROC, ASCM(?). Third - something larger, either LACM or BM.
Almost guaranteed theater (APAC-strategic) nuclear role.

Likely 5" DP gun(gun mount also has its own optics hatch on the shield), 2x30 AK-630ski. Pantsir-ME is so close to Russian export models I suspect it's genuine. At least it is meant to show one.

4x4 NLOS ATGM/multipurpose (DP), within-the-horizon missiles.

This is a bloody impressive ship, gotta say.
 
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Kim "... also pledged to construct more warships of "Choe Hyon class" and larger cruisers, as well as various types of escort ships, next year and also develop "nuclear-powered submarines" in the future."

Cruisers??? Escort ships??? God save SK…. It's even more threatening when you consider that this ship was completed in record time and that North Korea is very good at focusing national resources on key programs - given the nature of their state and economy.

Should we think that they can close the gap between them and the South Korean navy - even surpass it - in the near future? 1745650135336.png
 
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Having this ship comissioned so quickly is something i did NOT expected, this is some China speed of construction. So DDG's (or FFG?) name is Choe Hyon right?
Another very impressive achievement for DPRK.
I wonder how soon we'll see the new SSBN.
 
Ainen said:
We may smirk, but that's a 5000t ship on trials in ~400 days.
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Which is damned impressive for sure.

My comment was a not-so-tongue-in-cheek statement about what the development team probably told their bosses about what may happen. Failure is tolerated if you phrase it correctly. Otherwise, it's "off with his head!"
 
In fairness, this is the launch, it says in the communique that after carrying out various sea trials this year it will be comissioned early next year. So the next thing to look for is the first sea trial, and also the second of the class that is apparently under construction on the opposite shipyard.
 
ValiantHeart said:
Should we think that they can close the gap between them and the South Korean navy - even surpass it - in the near future?
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No way, and no way it's their goal. It just isn't reasonable.

IMHO it's more of a policy expression, since they officially denied reunification as a state goal, DPRK simply stopped it's focus on being a single trick (unification) pony.

Resources can now be freely allocated to actual needs - protecting future boomers, protecting freedom of navigation/DPRK trade, especially one not going through the Chinese border.

That takes some seagoing capability well beyond the needs of fighting another peninsula war.
 
I must admit, this ship is more heavily armed than I thought it would be (dare I say overkill given how festooned it is with guns, decoy launchers and missiles).
I think some redesign has occurred to move the radar arrays and add the aft large VLS, but it shows a flexibility in construction that has been lost in the West.
I doubt the ship is fully complete or kitted out at this stage, but it's still a rapid build time.
 

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