US Allies Ramp Up Sea Power as North Korea Threat Rises
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Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Japan and South Korea—both treaty allies of the United States in Northeast Asia—received new warships to bolster their sea power amid North Korea's ongoing naval modernization.
Newsweek has contacted the North Korean Embassy in China for comment by email.
Why It Matters
North Korea—one of nine nuclear-armed countries—continues to threaten Japan and South Korea with the use of force. As part of its military buildup, Pyongyang has launched two 5,000-ton, missile-armed destroyers since April, with two sister ships planned for next year.
Japan and South Korea possess advanced naval capabilities, making them key allies of the U.S. Navy. Tokyo is converting warships into aircraft carriers capable of deploying stealth fighter jets, while Seoul has outlined plans to build a vessel equipped with dozens of drones.
What To Know
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force announced that it held a delivery and ensign flag presentation ceremony at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems' Tamano Shipyard on June 19, commissioning JS Yubetsu—the eighth Mogami-class frigate—into service.
The Japanese frigate JS Yubetsu delivered to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems' Tamano Shipyard in Japan on June 19.
The Japanese frigate JS Yubetsu delivered to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Maritime Systems' Tamano Shipyard in Japan on June 19.
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
The 3,900-ton warship is armed with missiles and a gun, and it is capable of conducting anti-ship, anti-submarine and naval mine warfare missions. Japan plans to acquire a total of 12 Mogami-class next-generation multi-mission frigates, according to the specialist outlet Naval News.
The Yubetsu and the seventh ship of the Mogami-class, JS Niyodo, are the only two ships in the class equipped with a vertical launching system for firing missiles, Naval News reported, adding that the six earlier sister ships would be retrofitted with the same system later.
Following the commissioning of the Japanese warship, South Korea's newest frigate, ROKS Gyeongbuk, was launched at SK Oceanplant's shipyard in Goseong on June 20. It is the second 3,600-ton vessel in the FFX Batch-III frigate program, according to Naval News.
The South Korean navy described the Gyeongbuk as a "next-generation escort ship" designed to replace older frigates and patrol combat corvettes. It is expected to be delivered to the navy and become operational in June 2026 after completing tests and evaluations.
SK Oceanplant launching the South Korean frigate ROKS Gyeongbuk at a shipyard in Goseong, South Korea, on June 20.
SK Oceanplant launching the South Korean frigate ROKS Gyeongbuk at a shipyard in Goseong, South Korea, on June 20.
South Korean Navy
Similar to Japan's Mogami-class frigates, South Korea's FFX Batch-III frigates are armed with missiles and a gun to undertake a wide range of missions—including anti-ship, land-attack and anti-submarine warfare as well as defense against incoming anti-ship missiles.
What People Are Saying
The War Zone, a specialist outlet, said in a 2023 report on the Mogami-class frigates: "The Mogami class is capable of everything from surveillance to minesweeping operations as well as anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare. The frigates feature advanced electronic warfare and sensor suites. But above all else, they are designed to be operated by remarkably small crews. In essence, they will help the [Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force] to be able to do far more with far less."
Admiral Yang Yong-mo, the chief of staff of the South Korean navy, said at the launching ceremony of ROKS Gyeongbuk on June 20: "The newly launched Gyeongbuk is a combat vessel that integrates Korea's outstanding shipbuilding technology and defense science and technology, equipped with cutting-edge combat systems and precise detection equipment we made ourselves, and powerful armaments that will carry out the mission of protecting national interests and the lives of our citizens at sea perfectly."
What Happens Next
While countering North Korea's growing naval capabilities, Japan and South Korea also face threats posed by China—which has the world's largest navy by hull count—as the East Asian power expands its naval presence in the waters surrounding its neighbors.
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