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

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