North Korea Initiates Construction of New Warship Featuring Vertical Launch System: South Korean Military
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Seoul, Dec 31 (NationPress) North Korea has initiated the construction of what seems to be a 4,000-ton frigate equipped with a vertical launching system, as indicated by South Korea's military, in a bid to bolster its nuclear and missile arsenal.
This assessment followed shortly after North Korean state media showcased images of leader Kim Jong-un visiting a shipyard where this new warship is being built, coinciding with a year-end party plenary meeting, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
According to a military official, "North Korea is constructing a 4,000-ton frigate in Nampho," referring to the North's port city on the western coast. "Considering the vessel's size, it is believed to be capable of deploying a ship-to-ground missile."
However, the official mentioned that it could take several years before North Korea completes the vessel, and over 10 years might be necessary before the ship is operational.
Currently, North Korea's largest vessel is a 1,500-ton frigate that is equipped with a ship-to-ship missile but lacks a vertical launching system.
A lawmaker from South Korea's ruling party assessed that the new warship might be even larger than the military's estimates.
Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party suggested that the frigate appears to be a 5,000-ton vessel resembling a Chinese model rather than a Russian one, highlighting that the North previously unveiled the lower section of the ship during an inspection by Kim in September.
During his visit to the shipyard, Kim emphasized that enhancing the naval force is the "most crucial matter for safeguarding the maritime sovereignty of the nation and improving war readiness at this time."
Yu also noted that while the frigate is not yet outfitted with a combat system, there are concerns that it could pose a new threat due to its capabilities for launching ship-to-surface missiles.
