Nampo-class corvette

The Nampo-class corvettes (or light frigates) are a class of warships built in North Korea. They were seen from satellite-photos in 2013 and are believed to be a replacement for the older Soho-class frigate. The class has some similarities to Myanmar Navy UMS Tabinshweht, an Anawrahta-class frigate.[3]

Class overview
BuildersNampo Shipyard, No 28 Shipyard Najin[1]
Operators Korean People's Navy
Preceded bySoho-class frigate
Built2013-2014
In commission2013-present
Completed2
Active2
General characteristics
TypeCorvette
Displacement1300 ~ 1500tons
Length76 metres (249 ft)
Beam11 metres (36 ft)
Draught3.4 metres (11 ft)
Propulsiondiesel
Speedunknown
Rangeunknown
Complementunknown
Sensors and
processing systems		unknown
Armament
Aircraft carried1 helicopter (likely with either Mil Mi-4 PL or Mil Mi-14 PL)[1]
Aviation facilitieshelicopter pad only
Notes[2]

Two known hulls have been launched: one on the Japan Sea in Najin and one in Nampo for service in the Yellow Sea.[1]

Specification

Little is known of their features and weapons. One of the clear element is the presence of a helicopter-deck[1] and possibly even a small hangar on the hull.

The only weapon system identified is anti-submarine rockets (RBU 1200 A/S mortars), thus making the corvette a response for the recent developments of the South Korean Navy in the field of submarines.

Further weapons could be added however, including guns and anti-ship missiles (such as the Kh-35, known to have been recently put in service in the KPN).[1] The potential missile systems appears to be SAM and SSM.

By western standard, the ships should be considered corvettes, however they're also described as light frigates for their role.

References
  1. Bermudez Jr., Joseph S. (May 15, 2014). "New North Korean Helicopter Frigates Spotted". 38 North.
  2. @GreatPoppo. 朝鮮人民軍海軍の新型コルベット「南浦級」の画像が公開されました。#北朝鮮 #軍事 #NorthKorea. Twitter (in Japanese).
  3. O'Carroll, Chad (November 8, 2016). "Exclusive: New low-visibility corvette spotted in North Korea". NK News.
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