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06-05-2007

Bluffer’s guide: North Korean Naval Power 2007

Bluffer’s guide: North Korean NavalPower 2007

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planeman

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11/24/2010 Bluffer’s guide: North Korean Naval Power 2007

www.militaryphotos.net/forums/showthread.php?113552… 1/32

Original artwork and research by Planeman, with lots of help

Sections:

* Mystery vehicles, emerging technology and speculation

* Ballistic Missile Programme

* North Korean Submarine Fleet

* Infiltration mission

* Conventional naval units

Mystery vehicles, emerging technology and speculation…

The Krivak Frigate

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Dimensions: L 124m, W 14m Displacement : 3750tArmament: Varies but could include anti-ship missiles, medium caliber guns, AAA andSAMs. 21” torpedo tubes are a given. Aircraft : Helipad and hanger for one medium helicopter such as the Kamov Ka-28Helix.

North Korea has a single Krivak-III frigate but the circumstances and operationalreadiness remain something of a mystery. It is astonishing that it doesn’t seen to havecaught the eye of military observers given that it is clearly visible on Google Earth(coordinates: 38 43 07N, 125 23 44E).

No export of Krivak frigates from Russia or Ukraine has been reported.

One possibility is that it was obtained from Russia for scrap, although that too is likelyto have been reported. The remaining option, that it has been built locally is notimpossible but it is somewhat unlikely.

Another confusing aspect is its conspicuous lack of weapons or scars whereweapons and minor structures have been that might be expected of a scrappedwarship – one explanation is that after the weapons were removed the hull was madestorm-proof by patching the holes, but if that is the case the Russians appear to havebeen somewhat over-thorough as the whole foredeck appears sealed. On the otherhand the mounting for the 21” torpedo tubes amidships is clearly visible.

Even if the ship was purchased for scrap it does not appear to being scrapped and itremains probable that the North Koreans intend to bring the ship into serviceirrespective of the backstory.

“Stealth” SES



Armament: 1 x main gun (57mm?), 30mm AAALength: 35 – 40mSpeed: 48kts

North Korea appears to have a Fast Attack Craft with significant radar signaturereduction characteristics. That NK possesses stealth technology is not all thatsurprising since they exported torpedo boats with these features to Iran in about 2002(Tir and Peykaap classes). But we’ve seen no evidence substantiating that NKoperates similar stealthy torpedo boats.

The armament of this craft is not clear, except that there is a medium caliber main gunmounted on the foredeck and a smaller AAA turret on the aft deck. News sourceestimates are a 56mm gun and a 30mm gun – I’d guess that “56mm” refers to the moreconventional 57mm. There is no apparent missile launchers but these could beincorporated into the superstructure to anti-ship missiles can’t be ruled out. Thesensor fit appears minimal but then again the radar mast may be retractable as perother NK origin stealth and submersible boats.

The hull is very wide suggesting that it is a multi-hull or even a hovercraft. A keyKorean news source describes it as a “hovercraft” but after careful consideration ofthe photo and satellite evidence I believe it to be a surface effect ship (SES) similar inprinciple to the infamous Soviet ‘Bora’ class, or for a more modern and stealthycomparison, the Norwegian Skjold class. SES’ are generally very fast which supportsthe news source’s 90km (48kts) estimate – which is damn fast. In simple terms SEScombine a catamaran hull with an air cushion similar to a hovercraft between the hulls– consequently it is understandable that a non-military source may describe it as ahovercraft when translating into English. Indeed North Korea has a large number ofhovercraft which it has been producing since 1987, but in this case the absence of avisible external propeller points away from ‘pure’ hovercraft and towards SES.

Evidentual leads:Photo: http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/1...s1photobk6.jpgGoogle Earth coordinates: 39 09 36N, 127 26 44E



Korean news article appearing to relate to this type (careful re translation):http://english.yna.co.kr/Engnews/200...1113046E0.html

General description of SES: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_effect_ship

Other unidentified SES Fast Attack Craft

In addition to the above type there are at least two similar boats on the West coastclearly visible on Google Earth satellite imagery. The boats do not match any knowntype.

The hull proportions generally match the above type but are possibly slightly shorter(35m v 38m) and clearly non-stealthy. Although the two West coast boats are verysimilar to each other they have significant differences suggesting that they are twoseparate but closely related types.

SES ‘A’

Dimensions : L 35m, W 12m. Displacement approx 200tArmament : 2-8 anti-ship missiles (depending on type), 2 AAA (30mm?), 1 mediumcaliber dual purpose gun (85mm?).

This craft is probably a reasonably capable missile boat of relatively recentconstruction. Its layout follows typical Russian thinking with the missile tubes besidethe bridge firing forward, and a long superstructure extending rearwards almost to thestern.

There appears to be a medium caliber gun on the aft deck but something smaller,probably a 30mm CIWS, at the front of the ship. This arrangement with the ‘main’ gunat the rear is again more typical of Russian missile boat designs than Western ones.

It’s not credible to say with any degree of certainty what the anti-ship missiles arebased on the satellite imagery alone but they do appear not unlike the verticallystacked SS-N-22 Moskit (NATO: ‘Sunburn’) supersonic missiles fitted to the RussianTurantul class missile boats. My artist’s impression shows the somewhat lessalarming HY-2 type missiles. The HY-2/Styx family of missiles have several differentlaunch tubes associated with them, including one that is generally similar to thetypical SS-N-22 launchers.



yp

Evidential leads:Google Earth coordinates: 38 42 59N, 125 23 04EArtificial slant-view of craft as per Google Earth:

SES ‘B’



Dimensions : L 35m, W 12m Displacement approx 200tArmament : 2-8 anti-ship missiles (depending on type), 1 x medium caliber gun(85mm?) and 1 x AAA (30mm?)

This craft is clearly seen moored alongside the Krivak frigate. It differs from “SES-A”by having a more squared bow, the medium caliber gun at the front not back, and amore separated superstructure. The shadows also suggest that it has a taller and moreextensive mast(s).

The anti-ship missiles are not fitted in the satellite imagery but the mountings areclearly visible exactly where you’d expect them to be. Again we can only guess at themissile fit.

Evidential leads:Google Earth coordinates: 38 43 07N, 125 23 44E

60m Missile Corvette

Dimensions: L 62m, W 7.3m Displacement about 500tArmament: 2 x AK230 30mm AAA, Anti-Ship missiles (probably 2 x HY-2), crewedAAA (i.e. 14.5mm HMG).

Found on Google Earth and not referenced elsewhere, this craft appears a modificationof the SARIWON class corvette, itself an evolution of the pre-WWII Soviet Tral classminesweeper.

Main differences to Sariwon are smaller gun placements with the rear one further aft.Also the shadows reveal large missile bin shaped objects just behind the bridgemounted relatively high up.

Evidential leads:



Google Earth coordinates: 39 19 01 E, 127 24 07 E (screen shothttp://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1525/mystery1th3.png)

KN-01 Anti-Ship Missile

An improved version of the Russian SS-N-1 “Styx” missile, or theessentially similar Chinese supplied HY-2 (“Silkworm”) missile,no pictures of the KN-01 is available. What is known is that therange is far greater than the Styx/Silkworm implying a turbojetengine in place of the original rocket motor. Range is in excessof 100km (about 60 miles).

Development of improved longer range Styx goes back over 15 yearswith test firings reported in the mid 1990s. But the recent testfiring last month (May 07) suggests that it is not yet in fullscale service.

Also, reports indicate shore battery use with no mention ofshipboard use – although the latter is quite plausible.

The artists impression above is based on the idea that it isessentially the same missile as the Iranian Ra’ad which is purelyspeculation but fits with a certain interpretation of numerousleads involving the closely tied missile developments of the twocountries.

Low-observable torpedo boats

Dimensions: L 10-20m, Displacement <80tArmament: 2 x torpedoes (21” or 12.75”), light AAA



Speed: 40kts +

Although no hard evidence exists and North Korea employs stealthy torpedo boats,and or submersible torpedo boats, this is far from implausible because it certainly hasexported both types of unit to Iran in early 2000s.

The vessels supplied to Iran included 10 Tir Class stealth boats (similar to the artist’simpression above), 10 smaller Peykaap class torpedo boats (which ,may be semi-submersible), and 3-6 fully submersible “Taedong” torpedo boats.

Finding such small boats on Google Earth is very difficult and imprecise but at leastthree boats closely resembling the Tir class in general layout can be seen at 39 09 38N, 127 26 40 E. Google Earth screen grab comparison with Iranian Tir Class:http://img110.imageshack.us/img110/516/tircompzw9.png The slightly smaller boatsmoored alongside the North Korean suspected “Tir” resemble Peykaaps.

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06-05-2007

Ballistic Missile Programme

Speculation continues surrounding the true and near future capabilities of the North Korean nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.There is no serious doubt that North Korea is now a nuclear power, and that they possess various forms of ballistic missiles, but theextent to which they have been able to marry the two is still somewhat contentious.

Really really brief backstoryMost of North Korea’s ballistic missiles are derived from the Soviet SCUD system which they obtained from Egypt. These missileshave been improved and ultimately resulted in crude medium/long range ballistic missiles.

Although the SCUD family of missiles could (and has in the past) been converted for naval launch (submarine or ship), they haverelatively dangerous fuels that make storage and launch less robust than modern ballistic missiles.

Perhaps with this in mind North Korea has attempted to gain more modern ballistic missile technology as demonstrated by the 1993 arrestof a team of submarine-launched ballist ic missile (SLBM) scientists recruited from the Russian Makeyev missile design bureau.

Also North Korea has obtained elements of R-27 (SS-N-6) technology which probably includes the solid fuels better suited to navaldeployment.

Golf-II Class Ballistic Missile Submarine

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Dimensions: L 98m, W 8.2m, Displacement 3553t (submerged)Max speed: 15-17kts surfaced, 12-14kts submerged. Ballistic Missiles: 3 x ballistic missiles, probably modified Nodong-I (related to SCUD, Nodong-I has a maximum range of about1,300km and theoretically could be modified to carry a nuclear warhead)Torpedoes: 6 x 533mm (21”) heavyweight torpedo tubes. Crew: 83

Russia sold 10-12 decommissioned submarines to DPRK in 1993 with deliveries in subsequent years. The exact make-up of thedelivery is open to speculation but it was widely and consistently reported to include a number of functional Golf-II class ballisticmissile submarines. Generally accepted figure for Golf-IIs involved in the sale is 10.

Although Russia maintains that the submarines were to be dismantled under Russian supervision, it was widely thought that DPRKwould attempt to bring one or more back into service, possibly by means of cannibalization. The Golf-IIs carried SS-N-4 ballisticmissiles in Russian service.

Most observers do not believe that any of the subs have been returned to service but the possibility remains and there doesn’t seemto be any public domain evidence to confirm either viewpoint.

The north Korean Nodong-I missile is related to the SS-N-4 via the SCUD, but is about 1m longer which means that either the missileor the hull would have to be modified to accommodate it, but this is not all that far fetched.

Unlike modern ballistic missile submarines the Golf-II is a diesel-electric boat which limits its time underwater relative to othercountries SSBNs but on the other hand the technology to maintain and operate these boats is well within DPRK’s means relative tonuclear boats. The submarine was designed for underwater launch of the missiles, from depths of up to 50m and speeds of up to 4ktsand a firing interval of about 5minutes. Pre-launch time was about 45minutes. Even assuming lower operational specs for returned-to-service DPRK Golf-IIs with Nodong-I, we are still talking about a credible is crude SSBM capability.

Evidential leads: Sale widely reported but good source: http://cns.miis.edu/pubs/npr/vol02/21/gerard21.pdf

Armed Merchantman



It is widely speculated that a far more logical way to deploy a ballistic missile is by using medium/large merchant ships as launchplatforms. North Korea operates and builds ocean going merchant ships. The missiles could be hidden amongst transport containers.

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06-05-2007

North Korean Submarine Fleet

Note: Some submarines are assigned to reconnaissance and infiltration, for details of this mission and equipment see separatesection.

22 x Type 031 (‘Romeo’) diesel-electric attack subs4 x ‘Whiskey’ class attack/training subs (probably inactive)20+ x ‘Yugo’ type midget subs1 x ‘41m SSK’ diesel electric attack sub (probably inactive)20 + x ‘Sang-O’ type midget subs10+ x ‘P-4’ type midget subs??+ x Other midget submarines and wet submarines

Type 031 (‘Romeo’) attack sub

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Dimensions: L 76m, W 6.7m, Displacement 1,700t submergedArmament : 8 x 533mm (21’’) torpedo tubes (6 forward, 2 aft) with up to 14 SEAT-60 heavyweight torpedoes or 28 mines

North Korea received some of these boats from China and subsequently locally produced some. Although they are relatively capablethey are somewhat dated and ill suited to open ocean operations. There is no evidence to suggest upgrades.

’Yugo’ type midget sub

Dimensions: L 20m, W 2m, Displacement 90t (submerged)Speed : 10kts surfaced, 4 kts submergedArmament: 2 x533-mm externally-mounted torpedoes in drop gear in some variants, possibly torpedo tubes in some and none in infiltration variants.The Yugo class is so named because it was built to plans supplied by Yugoslavia in 1965. North Korea had started an indigenousmidget-submarine programme prior to that but had been somewhat unsuccessful, with a crude submarine being captured by theSouth in 1965 after its crew abandoned it when it was beached on a mudflat during a receding tide on the Han River:

Dimensions: L 5.7m, W 1.1m, Displacement: 3t (submerged)Speed : 7kts (surfaces), 3kts (submerged).

Although the indigenous midget submarine appears to have been functional, it was very small and extremely limited for infiltrationpurposes which appears to be the primary peace-time operation for North Korean Navy.



The Yugo boats however are much larger and have room for 4-6 infiltrators and can carry torpedoes or mines for the attack role. Theyare relatively short ranged though so for infiltration (or attack in wartime) operations in the far south, off Japan or further away, theyrequire transportation and launch from a mother ship.

The ships were built at Yukdaeso-ri shipyard on the west coast from the late 1960s through to the early1980s at which time they were superceded by the generally more capable Sang-O type. Contrary to somesources, the North Korean Yugo submarine was not very similar to Yugoslavian operated midgetsubmarines such as the impressive Velebit type.

In the early 1980s North Korea developed a much larger coastal submarine known, rather imaginatively,as the “41m boat”. No prizes for guessing the length of this submarine. It is not clear exactly whatthe boat looked like except that its sail is not unlike the Yugo’s in profile and that it was not a“teardrop” hull. The type does not appear to have been successful and only one is reported and it isunlikely to still be operable.

’Sang-O’ type midget sub

Dimensions: L 34m, W 3.8m, Displacement: 370t (submerged)Power: 1 diesel, 1 electric motor, 1 shaftSpeed 7.2kts surfaced, 8.8kts submergedRange: 1500nmMax Depth: 150 metersCrew: 15 Armament (attack sub):4 x 533-mm torpedoes with no reloads (Inc Russian 53-65 ASW torpedoes)Armament (recce/infiltration version): None. 5 infiltrators and 6 KWPReconnaissance Bureau Cadre as passengers Developed as a much improved follow-on to the Yugo type, the Sang-O is well known because one wascaptured by the South during a botched infiltration mission in September 1997. The Sang-O is much larger and longer ranged than its predecessor. Someboats have the torpedo tubes replaced by a passenger space and diver swim-out door for infiltration and sabotage missions. The 1500nm range is usefulenough to allow the boats to operate without a mother ship in most cases making them much less susceptible to detection. Hypothetically these subscould be modified to carry anti-ship missiles or Shkval rocket-torpedoes but neither capabilities are reported. ’P-4’ type midget sub

Dimensions: L 29m, Displacement: 190tArmament: 2 x 533mm (21’’) torpedo tubes (not fitted in infiltration version)

Another improved midget submarine design, the P-4 is smaller than the Sang-O but also seemingly more advanced. It features anunusual co-axle twin propeller consisting of a large skewed propeller and a much smaller conventional propeller; this arrangement is



believed to be an attempt to reduce the submarine’s noise signature.

An example of this type of submarine was captured during an infiltration mission in 1998 and subsequently put into service with theSouth Korean Navy emphasizing the build quality of the boat. Interestingly the sensors of the captured boat, including the sonar,were of Japanese origin.

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06-05-2007

Infiltration Mission

North Korea is one of the few countries publicly proven to engage in infiltration of spies, saboteurs and extraction of kidnappedcivilians via its naval vessels. Mostly this aspect of naval matters is overseen by the “KWP Reconnaissance Bureau” ratherthan the regular navy. Primary targets are South Korea and Japan.

Although it is hard to say how much of this goes on, several craft have been captured or sunk overthe years.

Type-A Basic High-Speed infiltration craft

Dimensions: L 11m, Displacement 3tSpeed: 50ktsArmament : Small arms and crew carried weapons, possibly including short range air-defence missilesand RPGs.

Probably the first type of infiltration craft used, these are disguised as small fishing boats butthe upper structures are fake. Because the craft is very short ranged it has to be carried near toits target by a mother ship which is itself disguised as a fishing boat (see below).

The craft is vulnerable to detection by radar and is believed to be less commonly employed in recentyears although one was captured by the Japanese in the late 1990s after its mother ship was sunkduring a prolonged gun battle with Japanese Coast Guard.

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Once the craft is close to the enemy shore the infiltrators land by swimming, probably aided by asmall hand held underwater propulsion pack that looks like a torpedo.

Example Mother Ship

Dimensions: L 30m, W 4.5m, Displacement: 44tSpeed : 33kts Armament : 1 x twin ZPU2 14.5mm AAA (concealed). Pedestal mount for 73mm SPG9 recoilless rifle(disguised as a winch), small arms and shoulder launched weapons (SA-16 Igla MANPAD (SAM), RPG etc).

Outwardly appearing as a fishing vessel, this craft can carry an infiltration boat in a rear hangerconcealed behind clamshell doors and similar in concept to a Land Ship Dock’s (LSD) well deck.

Because the hanger is quite small non-submersible infiltration craft which are disguised as fishingboats (see above) must be assembled partly outside the hanger which makes the operation prone todiscovery.

North Korea must use a wide range of mother ships some with hangers, some possibly towing theirinfiltration craft.

This craft is remarkably fast and has a hull not unlike a typical missile boat rather than a realfishing vessel.

Type-B Submersible Infiltration Landing Craft (SILC)



Dimensions: L 9.3m, W2.54, Displacement: 5 tons (est)Speed: 30-40 kts surfaced; 12kts semi-submerged (est)Range: 300nm surfaced (est)Compliment: 3 (2x crew, 3 pax)Armament: small arms

The first submersible infiltration craft was captured in 1983 by South Korean forces. The boat islaunched from a mother ship as per the High Speed boat above, and approaches the coast at high speed.Close to the shore where radar/visual detection is most likely, the boat floods a compartment underthe long foredeck and sinks to the point that the deck is awash and only the cabin is exposed.

The passengers reach the shore by swimming.

“Type-B” is not a North Korean designation. An improved version of the Type-B is reported with thecabin divided into two separate structures, one over the bridge and one over the passengercompartment. This arrangement is apparently intended to reduce the radar cross-section during thesemi-submerged phase of the mission:

Type-C (SP-10H) Submersible Infiltration Landing craft (SILC)



Dimensions: L 9.3m, W2.54m, Displacement : 5 tonsSpeed: 30-40 kts surfaced; 12kts semisubmergedRange: 300nm surfacedCompliment: 6 (2x crew, 4 passengers)Armament: small arms

Captured during an infiltration mission in South Korea, this boat is generally the most widelyreported and pictured example, but it’s generally only a minor variation on the Type-B.

Type-D Improved-SILC

Dimensions: L 12.8m, W2.95m, Displacement: 10.5 tonsMachinery: 3x 250 or 260 hp V8 (Johnson/OMC, etc)Speed: 40-50kts surfaced, 4-6 kts submergedRange: 200nmDiving Depth: 3m snorkeling, 20 m maximumCrew: 8 (4x crew, 1-2 escorts, 1-3 infiltrators)Radar: Japanese made Furuno 1830Armament: small arms

The I-SILC is fully submersible (i.e. a submarine) but approaches the shore at high speed on thesurface like previous SILC. However, it can run almost fully submerged 3m below the surface with onlythe snorkel mast above the surface (the larger mast towards the rear of the boat). When not in use



the snorkel folds aft to reduce the silhouette and radar signature.

In an emergency the boat can submerge completely to a depth of 20m (some sources say 25m) to avoiddetection, but when fully submerged it cannot travel forward because it lacks electric motors.

Modular midget-submarine

Details: unknown

Despite its crude construction, this submarine is conceptually quite advanced; it can be dismantledand transported close to its target by larger infiltration craft.

In simplistic terms the submarine consists of a pressure vessel and three box-like floodableflotation tanks which are attached to the outside of the sub. The tanks have a boat shaped bow toassist surface running.

At least one example was captured in 1979.

SBS-2 Swimmer Delivery Vehicle

Dimensions: L 4.8m, W 0.76m, Displacement: 0.58 tonsPower: 1 electric motor, 1 shaftSpeed: 4 knotsRange: 85nmDepth: 5-8 metersCrew: 2

A typical wet-submarine used by frogmen, this boat is probably intended primarily for special forcesstrike using limpet mines.

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06-05-2007

Conventional naval units

Some sources may not agree with numbers and minor details but overall view is pretty consistent.

Larger warships:1 x “Soho” class missile frigate2 x Najin class missile frigates4 x Sariwon class gun corvettes2 x Tral class gun corvettes

Fast Attack Craft (missile)27 x Osa-I type missile boats

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(15 x Soju Class missile boats)(8 x Osa-I missile boats)(4 x Huangfeng class missile boats)3 x Chong-ju class missile boats16 x Komar type missile boats(6 x Sohung class missile boats)(10 x Komar type missile boats)

Fast Attack Craft (Torpedo):3 x Shershen torpedo boats? x Sinnam torpedo boats40+ x Sin Hung torpedo boats12 x PT-6 torpedo boats? x P4 torpedo boats (retired?)1 x Chong Ju torpedo boat

Fast Attack Craft (Rocket)62 x Chaho class2 x Chong Ju class

Gun boats7 x Taechong-I class5 x Taechong-II class6 x Hainan class3 x Chodo class18 x SO-1 class12 x Shanghai-II class?? x Shantou class++

Soho class missile frigate



Dimensions: L 73.8m, W 15.5m, Displacement 1,845tArmament : 4 x SS-N-2 Styx anti-ship missiles, 1 x 100mm main gun (crewed), 2 x AK-230 30mm AAA(automatic), 2 x twin 37mm AAA (crewed), 2 x 25mm AAA (crewed), 4 x RBU-1200 ASW rocketsAircraft: Landing pad only, 1 x Mil Mi-17 HazeSpeed: About 25kts (highest estimate 27kts, lowest 23kts)

Built in 1983 in Najin, in service with the Eastern fleet, the infamous Soho class FFG is widelyreported and listed by numerous credible sources, but few illustrations and seemingly no photos ofthis warship exist in Western media. An indigenous design noteworthy for its distinctive feature isthat it employs a catamaran hull, the relative lack of activity and no further units suggest that itwas not a success.

Najin class light missile frigate

Dimensions: L 102m, W 10m, Displacement about 1,500tArmament : 2 x SS-N-2 Styx anti-ship missiles, 2 x 100mm main guns (crewed), 2 x twin 57mm AAA(crewed), 2 x AK-230 30mm AAA (automatic), 8 x twin 25mm AAA (crewed), depth charge rails



Aircraft: noneSpeed: Est 24kts

Built in the early 1970s the Najin class is essentially the North Korean version of the Soviet Kolaclass light frigate, although curiously enough these were being built right about the time theRussian Navy was scrapping its Kolas. Despite their dated heritage, these ships are among the fewtruly ocean going warships of the North Korean fleet and have been relatively active, used asrecovery ship escorts during north Korea’s ballistic missile test launches.

The original weapons fit included triple 533mm (21”) ASW torpedo tubes amidships but these werereplaced by twin missile launchers and an extensively rebuilt superstructure in the early 1980s.

By modern standards these ship have extremely weak air defenses (despite bristling with AAA) and asomewhat puny anti-ship armament. It is incredible that the North Korean navy has not embracedautomatic mid-caliber naval guns as has virtually every other navy.

Sariwon class gun corvette

Dimensions: L 62m, W 7.3m, Displacement about 500tArmament: 1 x 85mm main gun (crewed), 1 x twin 57mm AAA (crewed), 4 x twin 37mm AAA (crewed, Somesources say twin 14.5mm).Speed: 18kts

Basically an improved version of the older Soviet supplied Tral class minesweepers that are also usedas gun corvettes (see below), the Sariwon is relatively limited in the modern environment. Sourcesconflict over the exact number built but at least some are active on the east coast.

Tral class gun corvettes



Dimensions: L 62m, W 7.3m, Displacement about 500tArmament: 1 x 85mm main gun (crewed), 2 x twin 57mm AAA (crewed), 4 x 37mm AAA (crewed, Some sourcessay twin 14.5mm).Speed: 18kts

Of pre-WWII Soviet minesweeper design, the Tral class are essentially obsolete and used for coastalpatrol. Some sources suggest only one remains in service.

Soju/Osa-I type missile boats

Dimensions: L 43m, W 7.5m, Displacement 220tArmament : 4 x SS-N-2 Styx anti-ship missiles, 2 x AK-230 30mm AAA (automatic, 2 x twin 25mm crewedAAA in some units as illustrated).Speed: 34kts

The Soviets supplied 8 boats and North Korea locally produced 15 as the Soju class. The boats are



essentially identical. Some sources, including a popular South Korean illustration of missile boatsin tunnels, suggest that North Korea has Osa-II boats also but this is unconfirmed.

Type 021 HuangFeng class missile boats

Dimensions: L 39m, W 7.5m, Displacement 220tArmament : 4 x HY-2 “Silkworm” anti-ship missiles, 2 x AK-230 30mm AAA (automatic).Speed: 35kts

Chinese supplied variant of Osa-I design, it is not clear whether North Korea’s boats feature theimproved ‘Rice Lamp’ fire control radar (see aft radome in illustration).

Chong Ju missile boats

Dimensions: L 42m, W 7.2m, Displacement 205t.Armament: 4 x SS-N-2 Styx anti-ship missiles, 2 x AK-230 30mm AAA (automatic)Speed: 22.5kts

Outwardly similar to the Soju/Osa-I missile boats, this design is actually a variation on the ChongJu type. These boats are quite slow for fast attack craft but may retain the sonar of the other ChongJu boats. If the sonar is removed, maximum speed may be increased.

Only three units were produces suggesting that it was not a huge success, or at least not asufficient improvement over the Soju/Osa-I to warrant extended production.

Komar type missile boats



Dimensions: L 27m, W 6.4m, Displacement 80tArmament : 2 x SS-N-2 Styx anti-ship missiles, 1 x twin 25mm AAA (crewed)Speed: 30kts

The original Soviet missile boat design, 10 Komar boats were supplied and a further 6 locallyproduced as the Sohung class. These boats are dated and some may be inoperable.

Shershen class torpedo boats

Dimensions: L 34m, W 6.8m, Displacement 160tArmament : 4 x 533mm (21 ») heavyweight torpedoes, 2 x AK-230 twin 30mm AAA (automatic).



Speed: 42kts

Although only three boats serve, these are probably the most capable of North Korea’s torpedo boats(discounting suspected unknown types).

Sin Hung light torpedo boats

Dimensions: L 18m, W 3.4m, Displacement: 25tArmament : 2 x 450mm (17.7’’) medium weight torpedoes, 2 x twin 14.5mm AAA (crewed)Speed: 40kts

Small and agile but extremely dated, the Sin Hung class is probably the most numerous North Koreantorpedo boat and generally representative of the rest.

Chaho class rocket boats

Dimensions: L 28m, W 6.1m, Displacement 82tArmament : 1 x 40(?) tube 122mm BM-21 rocket launcher with about 80 reloads, 1 x Zu-23 23mm AAA(crewed, bow), 1 x 14.5mm AAA (crewed, stern)Speed: 40kts

Indigenous design, these small fast patrol boats pack a powerful punch although the accuracy andeffectiveness of the rocket launcher is open to question. Interestingly three Chaho were supplied to



Iran but feature a different superstructure with mast further aft, and Chinese 107mm MRLS.

Chong Ju class rocket boats

Dimensions: L 42m, W 7.2m, Displacement 205t.Armament: 1 x 40(?) tube 122mm BM-21 rocket launcher with up to 80 reloads, 1 x 85mm main gun(crewed), 2 x twin 14.5mm AAA (crewed)Speed: 22.5kts

Much larger than the more numerous Chaho boats, this class features a sonar although its purpose isconfusing given its armament.

As with the Chaho the sources differ as to the exact number of tubes in the MRL. Reloads are storedin the bins at the rear of the boat.

Taechong-I gun boat

Dimensions: L 60m, Displacement about 250tArmament : 1 x 85mm main gun (crewed), 1 x 57mm AAA (crewed), 1 x 25mm AAA (crewed), 1 x 14.5mm AAA(crewed), 2 x RBU-1200 ASW rockets, depth chargesSpeed: 30kts

Slightly bigger and better than the previous Chinese and Russian supplied gun boats (often designed



as Sub Chasers but woefully inadequate as such), the Taechong class is representative of a largenumber of generally similar gun armed patrol boats employed by North Korea.

Taechong-II gun boat

Dimensions: L 60m, Displacement about 250tArmament : 1 x 85mm main gun (crewed), 1 x 57mm AAA (crewed), 2 x AK-230 twin 30mm AAA (automatic)5mmAAA (crewed), 2 x 14.5mm AAA (crewed), depth chargesSpeed: 30kts

An improved version of the Taechong with noticeably improved air defences, the Taechong-II boats areprobably the most modern conventional gunboats now in service with the North Korean Navy.

North Korea operates numerous other gun boats and minor units, as well as some landing ships andabout 55 hovercraft.

List of Google Earth items of interest:



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06-06-2007

great post! thanks a lot for the infoand welcome to the forum

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06-06-2007 #7

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Fantastic stuff, thanks a lot for sharing!

Uh, and welcome to the forums mate.

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06-06-2007

Very good drawings, and information.!

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06-06-2007

Superb post!

The Krivak class, stealth SES, Golf-II Class Ballistic Missile Submarine and armed merchantman in NORKOR service are allnew to me but makes sense now (or sound very likely)

What were the main sources of your research?

Very informative, thanks again.

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06-06-2007

ll l d ff di hi h k b i h

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I actually learned stuff reading this post. Thank you, now my brain hurts.

Excellent post! Welcome to the board!

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06-06-2007

Excellent post, and a great read!

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06-06-2007

Great informative post. Thanks!

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06-06-2007

great post! thanks a lot for the info Must print it so i have something to read tonight

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06-06-2007

Fine way to arrive on the forum, interesting and informative.

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02-02-2008

Hi, thanks for the kind words.

I'm currently looking for any photos or illustrations of North Korean air defenses, especially AAA. Not Google Earth though,thanks

Cheers.

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