[continued from previous message]   
      
   designation: SS-N-16). The torpedo-launched RPK-series can carry a 400   
   mm-torpedo or nuclear depth charge to a range of 100 km.   
      
      
   The main gun resembles Western designs, but is either of domestic or   
   Russian origin, with a calibre possibly of 130 mm. Image DPRK state   
   media via Chinese social media.   
   On the bow an unspecified large calibre main gun sits ahead of the VLS.   
   Despite its superficial similarity to Oto Melara/Leonardo-designs the   
   gun may be a bespoke development. The design does not directly match any   
   known Russian naval gun system. The turret may be manually operated. It   
   features venting at the rear and a small, manually operated slide for an   
   unidentified device at the front right. The calibre remains unspecified   
   but appears to be 130 mm. This assessment is based on the overall size   
   of the gun and ammunition standards in use by DPRK forces.   
      
   Beyond her offensive punch Choe Hyon further includes relatively robust   
   self defence measures. Two 30 mm autocannons are located amidships, near   
   the funnel. These guns appear to be of the AK-630 type. Interestingly,   
   the cupolas housing the AK-630 guns resemble those of the AK-230   
   predecessor. At the stern, ahead of the rear missile magazine sits a   
   Pantsir M-style CIWS with two quadruple SAM launchers and dual   
   autocannons, covering the rear aspect against shorter ranged threats.   
      
      
      
   First image shows twin torpedo launcher and one of two AK-630 on Choe   
   Hyon. Second image for reference of the curious AK-230-style cupola of   
   the weapon. Images DPRK state media.   
   The ship mounts four decoy launchers, two each on the port and starboard   
   side. Another interesting feature are four launchers which carry what   
   appears to be the domestic Bulsae 4 anti-tank guided missile.   
      
   Large radar panels and diverse electronic warfare gear, questions over   
   fire control.   
   For sensors the destroyer carries a distinct electronically scanned   
   array-radar with four panels for 360 degree coverage on top of the   
   bridge. Intriguingly, distinct panel openings below the bridge do not   
   appear to hold further sensors, contrary to what imagery of the ship’s   
   construction suggested earlier.   
      
      
      
      
   First image shows ATGM quadruple launcher as installed on Choe Hyon.   
   Second image shows apparently missing sensor panels below bridge. Third   
   image reference shot of Russian 5P-10E Puma, which resembles the two   
   FCRs on Choe Hyon‘s forward superstructure.   
   Choe Hyon features two trainable fire control-radars on top of the   
   bridge. There are no fire control radars at stern. The configuration   
   losely matches that of the Russian 5P-10E Puma fire control radar. If   
   accurate, these systems would likely direct the AK-630s and possibly the   
   main gun. The main mast also holds a Type 362/MR-36 variant air and   
   surface search-radar, in addition to two navigation radars and IFF gear.   
   Several boxy structures distributed around the superstructure appear to   
   hold jamming- and ESM-equipment.   
      
   The frigate notably appears to lack dedicated fire control radars for   
   presumed VLS-stored SAM. Guidance may either occur via the notional AESA   
   radar, or otherwise indicate active radar homing on the missile type or   
   types in question.   
      
   Propulsion is also unconfirmed, but likely based on diesel engines. The   
   ship appears to feature two bow thrusters for improved manoeuvrability.   
   The helicopter pad at the stern seems to have limited operational   
   utility, as the ship lacks a hangar to support embarked aviation. The   
   pad may allow VTOL-drone operations aiding in target acquisition,   
   however. Two roller doors at the stern of the superstructure may house   
   vehicles or related equipment.   
      
      
      
   The launch of a modified Project 633 (Romeo)-class submarine equipped   
   with ballistic and cruise missiles in September 2023 gained widespread   
   international attention and illustrates the scope of North Korean naval   
   expansion. Image DPRK media.   
   A North Korean blue water-force?   
   North Korean media coverage emphasised Choe Hyon as part of a more   
   sweeping agenda to transform the North Korean Navy into a blue water   
   force. The decision may in part reflect Pyongyang’s desire not to fall   
   significantly behind other regional navies in this regard. Increasing   
   construction of large missile-armed warships capable of operations away   
   from coastal waters represents a distinct trend across East Asia. The   
   country previously launched a modified conventional submarine armed with   
   ballistic and cruise missiles and aims to launch a nuclear-powered   
   submarine.   
      
   Notably, the heavily armed missile destroyer, according to official   
   reporting, appears earmarked for the East Sea Fleet, facing Japan,   
   instead of staying on the west coast of North Korea and operating in the   
   Yellow Sea. Kim Jong Un at the ceremony presented the flag of the ship   
   to East Sea Fleet commander, Vice Admiral Pak Kwan Sop.   
      
   How many further hulls are to follow this first ship is also unclear. At   
   least one more hull appears to be under construction at a second   
   facility in Cheongjin on North Koreas east coast. Kim Jong Un appears to   
   have set an ambitious agenda for significantly enhancing North Korean   
   naval capabilities both above and below water. Construction of multiple   
   hulls suggests quantitative growth for the Korean People’s Army Navy   
   will follow this qualitative leap embodied by Choe Hyon.   
      
   Tags   
   Destroyer, DPRK, North Korea, North Korean Navy   
   Picture of Alex Luck   
   Alex Luck   
   Alex Luck is a freelance writer & analyst, with a focus on German   
   military modernization, NATO and naval programs worldwide, particularly   
   with the Chinese Navy (PLAN). Originally from Germany, Alex is presently   
   based in Brisbane, Australia.   
      
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