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, a Anawrahta-class frigate.[4]
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders: | Nampo Shipyard, No 28 Shipyard Najin[1] |
| Operators: |
 |
| 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)[2] |
| Aviation facilities: | helicopter pad only |
| Notes: | [3] |
Two known hulls have been launched: one on the Japan Sea in Najin and one in Nampo for service in the Yellow Sea.[5]
Specification
Little is known of their features and weapons. One of the clear element is the presence of a helicopter-deck[6] 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).[7] 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
- https://www.38north.org/2014/05/jbermudez051514/
- https://www.38north.org/2014/05/jbermudez051514/
- https://mobile.twitter.com/GreatPoppo/status/796271393394434048
- https://www.nknews.org/2016/11/exclusive-new-low-visibility-corvette-spotted-in-north-korea/
- https://www.38north.org/2014/05/jbermudez051514/
- https://www.38north.org/2014/05/jbermudez051514/
- http://38north.org/2014/05/jbermudez051514/
Further reading
- Chad, O'Carroll (8 November 2016). "Exclusive: New low-visibility corvette spotted in North Korea". NK News.