North Korea plans to build two new naval frigates by 2026, IMO data shows | NK News
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North Korea plans to build two new naval frigates by 2026, IMO data shows

Expert says DPRK should be able to produce steel for warships if needed, as country moves to upgrade outdated fleet
Anton Sokolin June 27, 2023
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North Korea plans to build two new naval frigates by 2026, IMO data shows
A North Korean navy Najin-class corvette in May 1993 | Image: U.S. Navy via Wikimedia Commons

North Korea has notified the International Maritime Organization (IMO) of plans to build two frigate-class vessels by the end of 2026, in the country’s latest effort to upgrade its naval fleet.

The two frigates named the FFH-3 (IMO 4746054) and FFH-4 (IMO 4746066) recently appeared in the IMO database under the DPRK flag, with “Korea North Govt Naval Force” listed as the owner.

The registry specifies that North Korea will complete the construction of the frigates in Dec. 2026 but does not list other details about the vessels, including their deadweight, tonnage and dimensions.

It is unclear whether Pyongyang

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