Nampo-class
North Korean helicopter-deck corvette introduced in 2013, focused on anti-submarine warfare.
| Subtype | Corvette |
| Displacement | 1400 tons |
| Width | 11.0 m (36.1 ft) |
| Length | 76.0 m (249.3 ft) |
| Propulsion | Diesel engines |
- 2 × 2 Kumsong-3 (Kh-35) anti-ship cruise missiles
- Igla short-range surface-to-air missiles
- 1 × 76 mm main gun
- 2 × AK-230 30 mm CIWS
- 4 × RBU-1200 anti-submarine rocket launchers
- 2 × 2 533 mm torpedo tubes
- Helicopter pad (Mi-4 or Mi-14 ASW helicopter)
Description
The Nampo-class corvettes, sometimes described as light frigates, are the most modern conventional surface combatants built by North Korea before the Choe Hyon-class destroyers. First identified on satellite imagery in 2013, they are believed to replace the older Soho-class frigate. Two hulls were launched around 2013-2014: one at Najin for service in the Sea of Japan and one at Nampo for the Yellow Sea fleet.
The ships measure about 76 meters for an estimated 1,300 to 1,500 tons. Their most notable feature is a helicopter deck aft — unusual for a vessel of this size in the North Korean fleet — likely intended for a Mi-4 or Mi-14 anti-submarine helicopter. Identified or assessed armament includes two twin launchers for the Kumsong-3 anti-ship cruise missile (a Kh-35 derivative), Igla short-range surface-to-air missiles, a 76 mm main gun, two AK-230 30 mm close-in weapon systems, four RBU-1200 anti-submarine rocket launchers and twin 533 mm torpedo tubes.
The emphasis on anti-submarine weaponry is read as a response to South Korea's expanding submarine force. The class shares design similarities with the Anawrahta-class corvettes of the Myanmar Navy.