North Korea has been building a new 5,000-ton-class (Choe Hyon-class) destroyer since last year, but analysts suggest the country lacks adequate naval bases to house this warship.
According to a recent analysis by NK News, a U.S.-based North Korea watchdog, satellite imagery from Planet Labs reveals that a major naval base construction project near Daepchon Port in Muncheon on the east coast, initiated about 12 years ago, remains in a prolonged state of suspension.
In September 2024, Kim Jong Un visited the site, declaring the deployment of new combat ships as an urgent priority and emphasizing the area’s strategic importance for military operations.
He also noted that the large surface combatants and submarines under development cannot be accommodated at existing facilities, underscoring the need for naval base modernization.
However, NK News reports that the naval base in the Muncheon area remains shuttered without significant facility upgrades. The outlet suggests it’s unlikely that North Korea will rapidly develop new, specialized facilities to maintain the advanced weapons and equipment of its newly built vessels.
The analysis indicates that North Korea may either delay the deployment of its new destroyers for several months or station them at naval bases or ports with subpar facilities.
The Muncheon naval base, which reportedly began construction in 2015, has seen no progress since the completion of its docks in 2017. The site includes at least ten docks and six ramps capable of berthing large ships and submarines.
NK News, however, doesn’t rule out the possibility of North Korea swiftly resuming construction to rapidly establish essential facilities like barracks.
North Korea launched two 5,000-ton destroyers in April and June last year.
The first destroyer, named Choe Hyon, was constructed at the Nampo shipyard on the west coast and is currently undergoing equipment and weapons testing. Kim has stated plans to assign it to the East Sea Fleet, suggesting it will likely navigate around the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula.
The second destroyer, Gang Geon, was built at the Chongjin shipyard on the east coast. It reportedly capsized during its launch in May last year, potentially sustaining significant damage. While it was restored and relaunched about three weeks later, no further weapons testing activities have been reported. Kim has announced intentions to deliver these destroyers to the navy by mid-2026.
Furthermore, North Korea initiated the construction of a third 5,000-ton destroyer last July, holding a rally at the Nampo shipyard for the Choe Hyon-class destroyer No. 3. The regime aims to complete its construction by October 10, the anniversary of the Workers’ Party founding, and plans to build two Choe Hyon-class destroyers annually. NK News reports that preparations for a fourth vessel have been observed at Chongjin Port on the east coast.
Additionally, the first full unveiling of a nuclear-powered submarine is anticipated this year.