Suspected Russian Anti-Submarine Missiles Spotted on North Korea’s New Destroyer

Russian weapons systems, including an air defense complex and likely anti-submarine missiles, have been spotted aboard North Korea’s new guided missile destroyer.

The discovery was highlighted by North Korean military analyst Tarao Goo (@NK Watcher) on his X account on April 27.

Goo identified a missile visually resembling the Russian 91RE1 anti-submarine missile. While the design appears similar, the photograph’s angle prevents definitive identification. It is possible the missile is a previously unknown North Korean development, according to Militarnyi.

The Russian 91RE1, part of the “Otvet” anti-submarine system, is launched from 533-mm (21-inch) torpedo tubes. Such launchers are clearly visible on the new destroyer, suggesting the missile—or a domestic variant—could be part of its arsenal or linked to North Korea’s nuclear submarine project.

Although the missile’s exact identity remains unconfirmed, its concept appears heavily influenced by the Russian model.

Photos also show a Russian “Pantsir-M” or “Pantsir-ME” naval air defense system installed at the destroyer’s stern.

The destroyer was launched on April 25, 2025, at a shipyard in Nampho, after a record-setting 400-day construction period.

Classified as a 5,000-ton (4,536-metric ton) multipurpose ship, it features two types of vertical launch systems: larger cells for long-range strike missiles and smaller ones for air defense, totaling 74 launch cells.

The ship is also armed with a 127-mm (5-inch) automatic naval gun for surface and coastal targets and a close-in defense system resembling Soviet-era AK-230 and AK-360 designs, alongside the “Pantsir-ME.”

The “Pantsir-M” is a modular shipborne system derived from the land-based “Pantsir-S,” designed to protect against low-flying aircraft and drones. It combines two 30-mm (1.18-inch) six-barrel automatic guns, eight surface-to-air missiles, and a radar-optical fire control system. Its missile range extends up to 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) and its guns are effective up to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).

The 91RE1 missile targets modern submarines at various depths and surfaced positions. It is 7.65 meters (25.1 feet) long, 533 mm (21 inches) in diameter, and weighs about 2,050 kilograms (4,519 pounds). Its payload includes either a high-speed APR-3ME homing torpedo or a compact MPT-1UME torpedo.

The missile can be launched from depths of 20–150 meters (66–492 feet) at submarine speeds of up to 15 knots (17 mph), striking targets up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from shallow depths and up to 35 kilometers (22 miles) from deeper launches.

For the first time, North Korea has officially confirmed it sent troops to support Russia’s war against Ukraine, marking a major escalation in Pyongyang’s direct involvement in the Russian war against Ukraine, South Korean media outlet Yonhap reported on April 28.

Donate to Demine Schools, Forests and Hospitals in Ukraine

Help clear 3 Ukrainian regions from Russian explosive ordnance.

Completed