Nampo-class corvette

The Nampo-class corvettes (or light frigates) are a class of warships built in North Korea. They were seen from satellite-photos in 2013 and are believed to be a replacement for the older Soho-class frigate. The class has some similarities to Myanmar Navy UMS Tabinshweht, an Anawrahta-class frigate.^[3]

Two known hulls have been launched: one on the Sea of Japan in Najin and one in Nampo for service in the Yellow Sea.^[1]

Little is known of their features and weapons. One of the clear element is the presence of a helicopter-deck^[1] and possibly even a small hangar on the hull.

The only weapon system identified is anti-submarine rockets (RBU 1200 A/S mortars), thus making the corvette a response for the recent developments of the South Korean Navy in the field of submarines.

Further weapons could be added however, including guns and anti-ship missiles (such as the Kh-35, known to have been recently put in service in the KPN).^[1] The potential missile systems appears to be SAM and SSM.

By western standard, the ships should be considered corvettes, however they're also described as light frigates for their role.