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North Korea Speeds Up Third Destroyer Build Amid Russia Military Ties

Satellite imagery indicates North Korea is accelerating construction of its third advanced 5,000-tonne destroyer at the Nampho shipyard. Lawmaker Yoo Yong-won cited images showing large cranes lifting superstructures, suggesting the vessel is in its latter building phase. The push aligns with leader Kim Jong-un's order to complete the ship by the ruling party's founding anniversary on October 10. Intelligence also points to Russian military technology assistance behind Pyongyang's naval modernization drive.

Key Points: N. Korea Accelerates 3rd Advanced Destroyer Construction

  • Speeding up 3rd destroyer build
  • Kim Jong-un's October deadline
  • Satellite imagery shows crane activity
  • Signs of Russian tech assistance
  • First destroyer prepping for deployment
2 min read

Satellite imagery shows North Korea appears to be speeding up construction of its 3rd 5,000-tonne destroyer

Satellite intel shows North Korea rushing to build a third 5,000-tonne destroyer by October, with signs of Russian military tech assistance.

"North Korea appears to be accelerating the modernisation of its navy on the back of military technology assistance from Russia. - Rep. Yoo Yong-won"

Seoul, April 2

North Korea appears to be speeding up the construction of its third 5,000-tonne Choe Hyun-class destroyer, a South Korean lawmaker said Thursday, as Pyongyang has been seeking to strengthen its naval power.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has ordered the construction of another 5,000-tonne multipurpose destroyer by the ruling party's founding anniversary on October 10, after the North launched two such warships last year.

Large cranes and crane vessels were spotted under operation near the third warship at a shipyard in the western port city of Nampho, Rep. Yoo Yong-won of the People Power Party said, citing satellite imagery taken March 12-28, by Vantor, a US-based satellite intelligence company.

Yoo said North Korea appears to be in the latter process of building the vessel, noting that large cranes seem to be used for the lifting of superstructures, such as large blocks, radars and weapon systems.

Satellite imagery also showed signs of the first Choe Hyon destroyer being in preparations for deployment after its launch in April last year.

There are signs the vessel's engine is running as the exhaust gas is seen coming out of the exhaust port. Crane movements have been detected suggesting additional weapons were installed on the warship, Yonhap news agency reported.

"North Korea appears to be accelerating the modernisation of its navy on the back of military technology assistance from Russia," Yoo said.

The destroyer is part of a new class of 5,000-tonne warships, considered the most advanced surface combatants in North Korea's fleet. Earlier vessels in this class-such as the lead ship Choe Hyon and the second ship Kang Kon-have already been launched, though their operational readiness remains under scrutiny. Satellite imagery suggests that both ships have spent extended periods docked, with limited independent movement observed.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While this is happening far away, it's a reminder of how important a strong, indigenous defence industry is. Glad to see India focusing on 'Make in India' for our naval ships. We can't rely on others for our security.
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Aman W
The article says the earlier ships spent most time docked. Maybe this is more for show than actual capability? Still, any military escalation is not good. The common people in that region suffer the most.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see the role of commercial satellite imagery in tracking this. Technology is really changing how we monitor global security. India has its own capabilities in this area, which is crucial.
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Vikram M
Russia helping North Korea while being engaged in Ukraine... shows how complex geopolitics is. India has to navigate these relationships carefully for its own national interest. A delicate balancing act.
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Kriti O
Instead of spending so much on weapons, imagine if that money went to feed their people. Such a tragedy. We in India understand development challenges, but militarization at the cost of citizens is never the answer. 🙏

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