Satellite imagery has emerged showing North Korea’s accelerated construction of its third Choe Hyon-class destroyer, a 5,000-ton vessel.
Rep. Yoo Yong-won, a member of the People Power Party serving on the National Assembly’s Defense Committee, analyzed satellite photos of the Nampho Shipyard taken by U.S. satellite firm Vantor between March 12-28. The images reveal significant activity involving large cranes and maritime hoists around the third Choe Hyon-class destroyer under construction.
Rep. Yoo noted that the regular repositioning of large cranes suggests they’re hoisting major components like large hull sections, radar systems, and weapons platforms.
Jang Young-geun, director of the Missile Center at the Korea National Strategy Institute, informed Rep. Yoo’s office that the crane activity around the vessel likely indicates the installation of sensors and piping systems following hull completion. Crucially, this demonstrates North Korea’s sustained capability to build and maintain large surface combatants.
Pyongyang aims to launch the third Choe Hyon-class destroyer by October 10, coinciding with the Workers’ Party of Korea’s founding anniversary.
Rep. Yoo also reported signs of operational readiness for the first ship, Choe Hyon, launched last April. He elaborated that clear evidence of engine operation is visible from the Choe Hyon’s exhaust emissions. They’ve also observed small crane movements, likely related to additional weapons installations.
The Choe Hyon-class destroyers are substantial surface vessels, displacing over 5,000 tons fully loaded. They’re considered North Korea’s answer to Aegis ships, featuring four-sided fixed phased array radar for 360-degree surveillance. Reports indicate enhanced self-defense capabilities, including a 127mm naval gun, short-range anti-aircraft missiles, anti-ship missiles, and an advanced close-in weapon system. North Korea launched the first two ships, Choe Hyon and Ganggeon, last year.
Rep. Yoo commented that with comprehensive Russian military technology support, North Korea’s naval modernization is rapidly advancing. Kim Jong Un’s recent statements on naval nuclear armament clearly signal intentions to deploy Choe Hyon-class destroyers as nuclear missile platforms.
During a recent visit to the Nampho Shipyard, Kim, General Secretary of the Workers’ Party, stated that the navy’s nuclear armament is progressing satisfactorily. These achievements represent a radical shift in maritime sovereignty defense, unprecedented in half a century.