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7 days ago
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Aftermath Of Disastrous North Korean Frigate Launch Seen In Satellite Image
North Korea's latest frigate has been significantly damaged in an embarrassing incident during its launch ceremony, which was attended by Kim Jong Un. The country's leader described the mishap as a 'criminal act,' before calling for the warship to be quickly restored. Satellite imagery circulating online shows the vessel lying on its side next to the dock where it was launched. Blue tarpaulins are seen draped over it an effort to obscure the incident from prying eyes in orbit overhead. Satellite image of the frigate on its side next to the dock seen in the tweet below: North Korea's latest naval destroyer has been significantly damaged prior to its launch. In a rare acknowledgment, North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported yesterday an incident occurred with a new destroyer in Chongjin, which was close to being launched. — Open Source Centre (@osc_london) May 22, 2025 The vessel is the second of its class, following the Choi Hyon, which was officially unveiled last month. You can read all about the heavily armed class of frigates in our previous detailed analysis and follow-up report. The new frigate, the name of which is unknown, was being launched in the eastern port city of Chongjin yesterday. In a very rare move, the incident was quickly confirmed by North Korea, perhaps in an effort to get ahead of the news cycle once satellite imagery of the warship put any question about what had happened beyond doubt. Pyongyang's state-run KCNA news agency provided the following details of what happened: 'Due to inexperienced command and operational carelessness, the parallel movement of the bogies could not be guaranteed, resulting in the launching sled in the stern detaching first and causing the ship to capsize. The ship's balance was destroyed due to a rupture in the hull in some sections, and the bow section was unable to detach from the keel.' The repercussions for those blamed for the incident, which 'brought the dignity and self-respect of [the] state to a collapse,' are likely to be severe. 'Kim Jong Un made [a] stern assessment, saying that it was a serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility … and could not be tolerated,' KCNA reported. Kim said that the officials found responsible would be 'dealt with at the plenary meeting of the Party Central Committee' in June. This is a high-level meeting of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party. At the same time, Kim called for the frigate to be restored before next month's meeting. This is a highly questionable timeline for the repairs, which are likely to be very extensive. 'The urgent restoration of the destroyer is not a simple practical issue, but a political issue directly related to the authority of the country,' Kim added. Notably, the frigate was side-launched from the quay, in a new development for North Korea, which has previously used slipways to put large naval vessels into the water stern-first. This @Planet 20 May capture shows the North Korean vessel moved from screened assembly area ahead of the Nampo example was launched via floating drydock the Chongjin example appears to use a different side oiled slideway launching systemhttps:// — Joseph Dempsey (@JosephHDempsey) May 22, 2025 Side-launch of a ship is often used where the water channel is too confined to allow for a slipway. While spectacular, this method is more complicated, requiring extensive support of the ship's weight along the length of its hull. A video shows the side-launch of the future Littoral Combat Ship USS into the Menominee River in 2013: The frigate is the second of its kind, which, with an estimated displacement of 5,000 tons, is the biggest in the North Korean naval fleet. The first of the class, the Choi Hyon, was launched in April at the western port of Nampo. As we reported at the time, only days after commissioning, the Choi Hyon was demonstrated firing a variety of weapons from its large array of vertical launch system (VLS) cells. The missiles appeared to include a previously unknown air defense missile and possibly a new supersonic cruise missile. The most impressive feature of the North Korean frigate is its extensive array of VLS cells. As we have discussed before, the sheer number of VLS cells on this ship — 74 in all — is impressive, and these are provided in four (or possibly even five) different sizes to accommodate a wide range of missiles, including ballistic types. Before this incident, however, there had been possible signs of corners being cut in the rushed program to build these vessels. When the Choi Hyon was conducting weapons trials, there was a surprising suggestion that the warship still didn't have its full set of propulsion machinery fitted. This would imply that the vessel was towed out of the harbor for its weapons tests, which is a possibility. That might also help explain claims that North Korea built the Choi Hyon in just over a year. No engine is installed ? ! — 笑脸男人 (@lfx160219) April 30, 2025 The speed of construction of the second frigate, at Chongjin, has also been rapid, and it's likely that corners were cut to speed this prestigious program. On the other hand, mishaps during the launching of vessels, including warships, are also not entirely uncommon. Meanwhile, the fact that North Korea is undertaking the simultaneous construction of two warships of this size in different locations is an impressive feat in itself. It points to just how important this program is to the regime and that its aspirations of putting by far its most impressive warship design into serial production are already manifesting (or at least attempting to). However, the fact that this is being done without first testing one of those hulls adds a significant level of concurrent risk. As we have discussed before, North Korea's frigate construction program is probably more about national prestige than building a credible fleet of surface combatants, evidenced by the fanfare surrounding the official unveiling of the Choi Hyon and the Kim attending its weapons trials. At the same time, even a token capability can be powerful, especially if these frigates' ballistic and cruise missiles can also be nuclear armed for strategic attacks. Perhaps we will eventually learn more about what went wrong during yesterday's launch, but for now, it's an embarrassing setback for Pyongyang's ambitious naval development program. Contact the author: thomas@
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30-04-2025
- Politics
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North Korea's New Frigate Tests Its Weapons Days After Commissioning
Imagery has emerged showing North Korea's heavily armed new frigate, the Choi Hyon, firing a variety of weapons from its large array of vertical launch system (VLS) cells. The missiles seen appear to include a previously unknown air defense missile and possibly a new supersonic cruise missile. The warship was only officially unveiled last weekend, as you can read about in our previous detailed analysis of it. The imagery in question was released today by North Korean state media and shows the Choi Hyon during weapons testing off Nampo, on the west coast of the country, which is said to have taken place from April 28-29. State media also claims that test firings of supersonic cruise missiles, strategic cruise missiles, and anti-aircraft missiles, as well as the main gun, took place on the 28th, followed by firings of 'fleet tactical guided weapons,' various onboard machine guns, smokescreens, and countermeasures dispensers on the 29th. While imagery emphasizes the frigate's heavy armament fit, it also points to what kinds of missiles are carried in the various VLS cells. Starting at the front of the vessel, there are 32 small cells located behind the main gun. Immediately aft of these is a bank of 12 medium-sized VLS cells. At least some of these small or medium-sized cells are loaded with a surface-to-air missile, seen launched during the firing trials. This looks to be of a type not previously identified — and certainly not in a naval context. Meanwhile, the VLS arrays at the rear of the vessel are shown launching two different kinds of cruise missiles. This could well be in keeping with the different sizes of VLS cells at the stern: one of these has eight cells; one has 12 cells, similar-sized but somewhat different in shape to the medium-sized cells at the bow; the bank nearest to the flight deck has 10 larger VLS cells. One of the missiles fired from the stern magazines appears to be the Hwasal-2 long-range cruise missile, or a variant of it. North Korea has previously test-launched the Hwasal-2 from its new Amnok class corvette. Notably, the missile is claimed to have strategic capability, implying an optional nuclear warhead, although this can't be confirmed. We believed this would be a key part of the frigate's armament in our recent report. The other weapon fired from the stern magazines cannot immediately be identified but has been described by North Korean state media as a 'supersonic cruise missile.' Again, what we see here suggests that this is a previously unseen missile design, although it's also possible that the imagery has been digitally manipulated. At first sight, however, the missile in question seems to have a characteristic 'dolphin-shaped' forward section, something that we've seen in scramjet missile designs. An exotic form of propulsion would certainly be one way of achieving high speeds, although it's certainly not the only option for a supersonic cruise missile and is more typically associated with hypersonic missile designs. At the same time, the unswept tailfins point to the possibility of a booster/sustainer arrangement. For comparison. Pic 2 and 3 (supersonic) might be photoshopped based on subsonic CM (pic 1). The tail fins look res will provide more details. — Taepodong (@stoa1984) April 30, 2025 As we have discussed before, the sheer number of VLS cells on this ship — 74 in all — is impressive, although the fact that they are provided in four (or possibly even five) different sizes comes with disadvantages, too. While the warship can accommodate a wider variety of different missiles, it is more complex than having one or even two VLS cell sizes only. Larger cells also take up more room, where more standardized, smaller cells could be installed. In addition to the VLS cells, the warship may be fitted with angled launchers amidships. As we discussed before, these could well accommodate subsonic anti-ship missiles, although it's inconclusive as to what this trapezoidal structure is for. The type of missile or missiles contained in the largest (10-cell) VLS magazine located closest to the flight deck remains a mystery at this point. However, some kind of ballistic missile remains the most likely option. In our previous analysis, we suggested that a short-range ballistic missile from the Hwasong-11 family could be a likely candidate, but there are many other options too. Interestingly, putting any kind of ballistic missile on a surface warship is an emerging trend that's also found in neighboring South Korea. Other imagery shows the frigate's guns being fired. These include the main gun, fitted on the bow, which Pyongyang's state media says is a 127mm caliber weapon, which marks something of a break from traditional North Korean naval artillery calibers. Also seen in action is one of the ship's two AK-630 turreted six-barrel 30mm rotary cannons, mounted on each side of the ship. The AK-630s supplement the ship's main close-in weapon system (CIWS), which appears to be a version of Russia's navalized Pantsir-ME system, or something inspired by it, armed with both cannons and highly maneuverable short-range missiles. At least one of the images, seen below, shows some kind of decoys being fired from a multi-cell launcher positioned amidships. There has also been a surprising suggestion that the warship still doesn't have its full set of propulsion machinery fitted. A bird's eye view of the frigate, looking down the smokestack, suggests that the ship's propulsion system might not be fully fitted. This would imply that the vessel was towed out of the harbor for its weapons tests, which is a possibility. That might also help explain claims that North Korea built the Choi Hyon in just over a year. No engine is installed ? ! — 笑脸男人 (@lfx160219) April 30, 2025 As we noted in our previous analysis, this warship has the potential to be a capable launch platform for longer-range missile strikes, but its high-profile status would place it high on the list of priority targets were North Korea to go to war. Packing it with so many VLS cells also makes it a more attractive target, although there remains the possibility it could get some of its strategic payload off before it, in turn, was targeted. Furthermore, North Korea is unlikely to be able to build further examples of the same design in any kind of meaningful numbers. Regardless, it's undeniably impressive that North Korea has built this warship so rapidly and has tested multiple types of missiles from it already. On the other hand, while the missiles may have successfully left their cells, we don't know the extent of the test, and many more trials will be required before this becomes a fully functional frigate with all that it entails. Overall, the program is probably more about presenting a token capability, evidenced by the fanfare surrounding its official unveiling and the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, attending the weapons trials. At the same time, even a token capability can be powerful, especially if the frigate's ballistic and cruise missiles can also be nuclear armed for strategic attacks. In terms of packing multiple missiles of different types into the largest number of VLS cells a given hull will carry, Pyongyang has certainly achieved something in this regard. Contact the author: thomas@
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27-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
North Korea's New Frigate Has Ballistic Missile Launchers
North Korea has officially unveiled the Choi Hyon, its air defense-capable frigate that we previously had seen under construction. The warship, which was supposedly built in just over a year, carries the hull number 51, likely to emulate the DDG-51 Arleigh Burke class destroyer that it bears a minor resemblance to. You can read our previous analysis on the vessel when it was under construction here, but now that we are seeing it in full, one thing is very clear, it intends to pack more weaponry than any ship of its size. As for that size, a displacement of 5,000 tons is being circulated, but it's unclear if it actually hits that figure. Clearly visible on its bow is a large deck gun, possibly in the 127mm class. Then we also see a primary close-in weapon system (CIWS) towards the rear of the ship's superstructure. This looks very similar to Russia's navalized Pantsir-ME system that features both cannons and highly maneuverable short-range missiles. This could be a North Korean knock-off, or it could be from Russia directly as part of reimbursement for North Korea's support of Russia's war in Ukraine. Giving the ship a credible CIWS capability would be very important, as the rest of its anti-air capabilities will take time to develop and may never reach the point of a highly reliable defense. A pair of AK-630 turreted six-barrel 30mm rotary cannons are also visible on each side of the ship, which can engage air and surface targets over very close ranges. We also see two countermeasures dispensers arrayed on both sides of the ship, along the outer edge of the superstructure, as well as what appear to be the same number turreted four-cell launchers. These are most likely capable of firing loitering munitions and short-range guided missiles, as well as possibly anti-submarine charges. What could be an enclosure that houses angle-launched anti-ship cruise missiles is seen amidships, although it's inconclusive as to what this structure is for. This enclosure does look broadly similar, but also appears to be thinner, than one that conceals angled cruise missile launchers on North Korea's new Amnok class corvette. When it comes to armament, the sheer number of vertical launch system (VLS) cells on this ship is remarkable. Not just that, but there appear to be at least four (possibly even five) distinct sizes of VLS cells that make up its two VLS arrays. This is of particular interest because it would maximize magazine depth for a given loadout and is capable of hosting a wide range of different weapon sizes. It is and more complex than having one or even two VLS cell sizes only. In total, the ship features 32 small cells, 12 medium-sized cells, 20 large cells (although these could also be different sized, with 12 forward cells being different than the eight aft) and 10 very large cells, for a total of a whopping 74 cells. That is a remarkable number for a ship this size, which looks larger than it actually is. This is especially true considering some of those cells are quite large. For comparison, thep upcoming Constellation class frigate will feature 32 cells, for instance, although, like all Mk41 VLS cells, they can be quad-packed with Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles. An Arleigh Burke class destroyer has between 90 and 96 cells, depending on the variant, and like the Constellation class, all the cells have the same aperture dimensions. It's very likely that the Choi Hyon's large cells will be able to accommodate long-range cruise missiles and the extra large ones will be able to launch ballistic missiles. North Korea has previously test-launched its Hwasal-2 long-range cruise missile, which is supposed to have strategic (nuclear) capability, from its new Amnok class corvette. Other cruise missiles and adapted guided artillery rockets could also fill the large cells. North Korea has a dizzying array of ballistic missiles in its weapons catalog, with short-range ballistic missile types (such as the Hwasong-11 family) being suited to fit inside the ship's extra-large VLS cells. The adoption of ballistic missiles, both in a land attack and anti-ship capacity, aboard surface warships is an emerging trend. North Korea's arch nemesis and neighbor, South Korea, is adopting exactly this weapons capability for its far more capable top-of-the-line warships. So, when you consider this and Pyongyang's affinity to ballistic missiles, as well as the odd dual-role of this ship (which we will get to in a moment), it is unsurprising that North Korea is following suit. The smaller VLS cells would primarily support the ship's stated anti-air warfare mission, carrying various surface-to-air missiles. In the new imagery, we also see the four-sided phased array radar system that will provide the ship's primary sensor capability, as well as ancillary sensor and communications systems festooned atop its superstructure. A flight deck is also present on the ship's stern, but with no hangar facility to house a rotary-wing asset. Overall, it is clear that this frigate was designed to absolutely maximize its weapons-carrying capabilities. While this ship should be capable as a launch platform for longer-range strike missiles, its other primary role as an air warfare asset is highly debatable. As with other new high-profile North Korean weapon systems, while they may offer advanced capabilities in relation to what the country already has, in a wartime scenario, they would be the first to be targeted and destroyed. Having a ship that looks loosely like more advanced foreign ones and packed with weapons is one thing, actually making it a survivable asset, with all the technology and training that goes with it, is a far higher bar to reach. Infusion of Russian technologies and assistance could help in this regard, but only to a degree. It is unlikely that Pyongyang will ever be able to build these ships in large enough numbers to give their fleet true depth and resiliency in combat, assuming they even stand a shot in a combat scenario at all. Even if multiple frigates are built, they would be tracked and sunk quickly during the opening stages of a conflict. This is especially true considering they could carry standoff weapons with nuclear warheads. Still, they may have enough time to send their long-range weaponry on its way before they reach their demise. Considering the unique weapons configuration we are seeing, that could very well be their point. An ambiguously assured second-strike deterrent. In that framing, this ship is certainly similar to what we have seen as of late from the nuclear-armed Hermit Kingdom. They may be token capabilities, but the fact that they could deliver strategic attacks makes them a threat that must be dealt with. Even the possibility of them getting a single nuclear armed weapon fired off works as its own deterrent value, although a relatively dubious one. Contact the author: Tyler@
