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
Builders: Nampo Shipyard, No 28 Shipyard Najin[1]
Operators:  Korean People's Army Naval Force
Preceded by: Soho-class frigate
Built: 2013-2014
In commission: 2013-present
Planned: ?
Completed: 2 ~ 3
Active: ?
General characteristics
Type: Corvette
Displacement: 1300 ~ 1500tons
Length: 76 metres (249 ft)
Beam: 11 metres (36 ft)
Draught: 3.4 metres (11 ft)
Propulsion: unknown
Speed: unknown
Range: unknown
Complement: unknown
Sensors and
processing systems:		 unknown
Armament:
Aircraft carried: 1 helicopter (likely with either Mil Mi-4 PL or Mil Mi-14 PL)[1]
Aviation facilities: helicopter 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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