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| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Builders | Nampo Shipyard, No 28 Shipyard Najin[1] |
| Operators |  Korean People's Navy |
| Preceded by | Soho-class frigate |
| Built | 2013-2014 |
| In commission | 2013-present |
| Completed | 2 |
| Active | 2 |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Corvette |
| Displacement | 1300 ~ 1500tons |
| Length | 76 metres (249 ft) |
| Beam | 11 metres (36 ft) |
| Draught | 3.4 metres (11 ft) |
| Propulsion | diesel |
| 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-14PL)[1] |
| Aviation facilities | helicopter pad only |
| Notes | [2] |
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]
Two known hulls have been launched: one on the Sea of JapaninNajin and one in Nampo for service in the Yellow Sea.[1]
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.
