On January 20, 2025, in the presence of Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, the Hellenic Navy (HN) officially received and commissioned four upgraded Island-class coastal patrol vessels at Salamis Shipyards. Over the course of approximately one year, these vessels underwent extensive modernization, upgrades, and modifications by the Salamis Shipyards and Virginia Electronic Systems, under the supervision of the United States Coast Guard and HN personnel. Each vessel was named in honor of distinguished HN heroes: HS Mantouvalos Ioannis (P197), HS Galanis Georgios (P198), HS Liaskos Antonios (P288), and HS Gialopsos Ektoras (P289). My story for Naval News, here.
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Photos released by North Korean state media, KCTV, reveal a new frigate that may be equipped with a Vertical Launching System (VLS) for cruise missiles and/or guided surface-to-air missiles (SAM). The vessel appears to have double the displacement of previous classes, showcasing significant enhancements in size and capability. In the summer of 2023, North Korea unveiled a cruise missile-armed corvette, marking a significant development in its naval capabilities. Now, just days before the start of 2025, the country has revealed a new frigate design with more than double the displacement of the +1,500-ton Amnok-class corvette and boasting advanced features. Footage aired by state media Korean Central Television (KCTV) on Sunday (watch the video starting at 03:11.40) included four photographs showing the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un inspecting an unidentified large warship under construction at the Nampo Shipyard for the Korean People’s Army Navy. My story for Naval News, here.
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