According to the report on Sunday by NK News, North Korea deployed a Tuman-class (1,500-ton) frigate at Goseong Port on the east coast during the joint U.S.-South Korea naval exercises conducted from Tuesday to Friday.
Satellite imagery from Planet Labs, a commercial satellite company, reveals that the Tuman-class frigate departed from Mayangdo, north of the east coast, between October 15 and 21, arriving at the Munchon Naval Base factory on October 25. By October 30, it had docked at Goseong Port alongside an Amnok-class (1,500-ton) frigate that had been stationed there since March of the previous year.
NK News observed that while both frigates were consistently visible in satellite imagery at Goseong Port, which is connected to the Mount Kumgang tourist region, from November 1 to 9, one vessel disappeared on Tuesday, the first day of the U.S.-South Korea joint exercises. This suggests the ship may have been deployed for maritime operations.
Goseong Port, strategically positioned as the closest potential naval base to South Korea on the east coast, has drawn attention from military analysts.
NK News reported that North Korea claims these vessels can be equipped with nuclear-capable cruise missiles from the Hwasong series. The outlet speculates that Pyongyang may be demonstrating its ability to conduct offensive naval operations in response to the U.S.-South Korea exercises.
In February, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the launch ceremony of a new 5,000-ton destroyer, announcing plans to establish an ocean-going operational fleet in the East Sea.
Experts suggest that North Korea’s recent naval activities may be part of a broader strategy to test new operational concepts for its East Sea fleet, in preparation for the development of this ambitious ocean-going force.