Satellite images have shown that North Korea is seemingly pouring resources into expanding its naval power.
Shrouded in mystery and pretty much cut off from the rest of the world, we know very little about what goes on inside the East Asian nation nestled between Russia, China and South Korea.
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Although accounts shared by those who’ve been able to defect paint chilling pictures of repression, where the government even controls your choice in haircut.
North Korea also has a pretty strong reputation for mouthing off about its military potential, with current Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Un liking to parade his army and nuclear arsenal through the streets from time-to-time.
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According to images shared by satellite providers Maxar Technologies and Planet Labs earlier this month, North Korea is constructing the megaship in its Nampo shipyard, which lies 37 miles southwest of Pyongyang.
The images have since been analysed, with experts suggesting the ship will be a guided-missile frigate (FFG) capable of carrying missiles which could attack both land and sea targets.
“The FFG is approximately 140 meters (459 feet) long, making it the largest warship manufactured in North Korea,” Centre for Strategic and International Studies analysts Joseph Bermudez Jr. and Jennifer Jun said (via CNN).
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The news comes a month after North Korean state television released images of a ‘nuclear-powered strategic guided missile submarine’ alongside Kim’s visit to one of the nation’s major shipyards.
South Korean submarine expert, Moon Keun-sik, later gave his analysis of the images to The Mirror, saying the vessel appeared to be either a 6,000-ton-class or 7,000-ton-class submarine which can carry about 10 missiles.
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North Korea is also said to be seeking closer ties with neighbouring Russia, with around 12,000 North Korean troops deployed by the Russian army in Ukraine, according to Reuters.
* Original Article:
https://www.ladbible.com/news/world-news/north-korea-building-warship-satellite-images-538896-20250415