The North KoreanNajin-class frigates are some of the largest vessels in the Korean People's Navy. Although they bear a striking resemblance to ex-SovietKola-class frigates, they are unrelated to any Russian or Chinese design.[2] The class was originally fitted with a trainable triple 21-inch (533 mm) torpedo launcher, which was replaced in the mid-1980s with fixed P-15 Termit missile launchers taken from Osa-classmissile boats. The design is inherently dangerous, and even a minor missile failure would result in significant damage to the ship.[2]
In 2023, two or more of these frigates remain active with North Korea's navy a full half-century after they were commissioned. An estimated two or more have been retired, though what has been done with them since then is unknown.
At least one Najin-class ship appears to have been upgraded with much more modern weaponry in 2014. Refitted at Namp'o, the outdated anti-ship missiles, aft 57-millimetre (2.2 in) dual cannon, Drum Tilt fire-control radar and surface search radar were removed, and several new systems were installed. Most clearly identifiable are two 30 mm (1.2 in) automated turrets at the aft, likely based on the Soviet AK-630 CIWS, and two Kh-35 missile racks with the capacity for about eight missiles in place of the older P-15 Termit/HY-2 launchers. The modernization program appears to be continuing as of December 2014.[4]
^ abcWertheim, Eric (2007). Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships, Aircraft and Systems. Annapolis: Naval Institute Press. p. 424. ISBN978-1-59114-955-2.
KPA Naval Force
