Yono class submarine

Yugo Class Midget Submarine Yono Class Midget Submarine In 1991 the Iranians obtained 2 midget submarines from North Korea. It was believed these were of the "Yugo" yono class submarine. The North Korean Yugo Class submarines are themselves based on a design originating in the former Yugoslavia.

These North Korean submarines had a surfaced displacement of 76 yono class submarine and a submerged displacement of 90 tons. They had a surface speed of 10 knots and could make 4 knots submerged. Armament was in the form of two 530mm torpedo tubes for torpedoes or yono class submarine. Yugo class submarines also had the ability to carry 6-7 divers in addition to the crew of 2.

In 2005 Iran announced it would start production of its first indigenous submarine. The hull was launched in 2006. In 2007 the Iranian navy unveiled a submarine, named the Qadir (also written Ghadir), first of a number of planned midget submarines of the Yono class. The Qadir was otherwise extremely similar to these Yugo boats, leading observers to suggest that this was an Iranian design based heavy on that class. Iranian authorities asserted that the Qadir was an entirely Iranian design, and that the vessel could launch anti-ship missiles.

Such a capability would have required the installation of more advanced systems into the submarine or the operation in concert with other vessels capable of guiding any such missiles. The Qadir does have provisions for mounting a Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV), a type of craft that Iran has also developed. North Korean midget submarine class Class overview Name Yugo class Builders Yukdaeso-ri shipyard [1] Operators See Operators Succeeded by Sang-O class In commission Late 1960s Completed 8 Active 4 Lost 3 Retired 1 Preserved none General characteristics Type midget submarine Displacement 90 up to 110 tons (submerged) Length 20 m Beam 2 m Propulsion Single-shaft MTU diesel engine Speed • 10 knots (19 km/h) surfaced • 4 knots (7.4 km/h) submerged Range Unable to reach the southern extreme of South Korea Capacity 4–6 Special forces troops Armament Some armed with two 21-inch (530 mm) torpedoes, possibly in drop collars.

Notes First successful indigenous midget submarine The Yugo class submarine is a class of four midget submarines used primarily for infiltration and espionage by North Korea. The Yugo class was given its name because it was built to plans supplied to North Korea by Yugoslavia in 1965.

[2] Contents • 1 Design • 2 History • 3 Operators • 4 References • 5 See also Design [ edit ] The Yugo class is a family of midget submarines that are not all identical. The displacement is either the standard 90 tons of the original Yugoslavian design for the early units or 110 tons for the later units.

Armament is either a pair of 400 mm torpedo tubes (early units) or a pair of 21 in (533mm) short torpedo tubes (later units). [ citation needed] All units have the same range: 550 nautical miles (1,020 km) at 10 knots (19 km/h) on the surface and 50 nautical miles (93 km) at 4 knots (7.4 km/h) submerged.

[ citation needed] History [ edit ] The yono class submarine vessel was built in the 1980s, after which they were superseded by the Sang-O-class submarines. On June 12, 1998, one out of six submarines was captured by the South Koreans. [2] [3] In the early 2000s, Vietnam "gained experience" with these craft prior to ordering Russian Kilo-class diesel-electric submarines for denial of area capabilities, specifically against China's fleet per the Foreign Policy Research Institute.

[4] In March 2016, it was announced that the North Korean Navy had lost one of the ships yono class submarine exercises. [5] [6] [7] Operators [ edit ] • North Korea [8] • Vietnam: Purchased in 1997. [2] These were used by Vietnam People's Navy for swimmer delivery operations aside from conventional submarine operations.

[2] The purchase was done by bartering. [9] Kim Jong-il personally approved of the delivery to make amends for not paying Vietnam for purchasing 20,000 tons of rice. [10] • Cuba: Classified as a 'Delfin-class submarine' and is rumored to have either been built in North Korea or locally assembled in Cuba with North Korean assistance. [11] References [ edit ] • ^ "North Korea – Military Industry".

www.globalsecurity.org. • ^ a b c d "SSM Yugo and P-4 class (Midget Submarine) (SSW)". December 26, 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-12-26. • ^ Roblin, Sebastien (March 18, 2017). "How a North Korean Spy Submarine's Mechanical Meltdown Yono class submarine in Shocking Tragedy".

The National Interest. • ^ "Building from Scratch: Rebirth of the Philippine Navy – Foreign Policy Research Institute". www.fpri.org. • ^ "North Korea has reportedly lost a submarine". CBS News.

Reuters. 14 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2016. • ^ "North Korea submarine 'missing' as US-South Korea drills continue".

BBC. 12 March 2016. Retrieved 14 March 2016. • ^ Payton, Matt (13 March 2016). "North Korean submarine that went missing is believed to have sunk, new reports claim". The Independent. Archived from the original on 2022-05-07. Retrieved 14 March 2016. • ^ "38 NORTH SPECIAL REPORT: A NEW EMPHASIS ON OPERATIONS AGAINST SOUTH KOREA" (PDF).

www.38north.org. 11 June 2010. Retrieved 2021-07-21. • ^ "Russian Subs in Vietnam". August 20, 2012. • ^ "The colorful history of North Korea-Vietnam relations - NK News – North Korea News". March 31, 2015. Archived from the original on 2015-03-31. • ^ "H I Sutton - Covert Shores". See also [ edit ] • Una-class submarine, Yugoslav midget submarines Edit links • This page was last edited on 8 May 2022, at 01:19 (UTC).

• Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization. • Privacy policy • About Wikipedia • Disclaimers • Contact Wikipedia • Mobile view • Developers • Statistics • Cookie statement • •
• The U. S. Navy’s Ohio-class guided yono class submarine submarine tops a ranking of the 49 most advanced and dangerous submarines in the world.

• The list, compiled in 2020 by H.I. Sutton at Covert Shores, ranks subs by the number of weapons—including missiles and torpedoes—they carry. • Although North Korea’s Yono-class submarine ranks last, it’s the only sub on the list that’s actually sunk a warship. Submarines have a number of tactical advantages that make them a formidable foe in combat: they’re fast, stealthy, and can carry a wide range of debilitating weapons. ⚓️ You love badass boats. So do we. Let’s nerd out over them together.

A recent ranking of the 49 most dangerous submarines in the world includes A-list heavy hitters, but also some of the smallest subs in service. It also features some of the most advanced submarines in the world, including the American Ohio-class guided missile submarines—each of which can blanket targets with up to 154 cruise missiles—as well as some vessels originally built during World War II and midget subs designed by Iran and North Korea.

Compiled by undersea authority H.I. Sutton at Covert Shoresthe list is a rundown of the most lethal submarines operated by the world’s navies, and takes into account a submarine’s number of torpedoes, torpedo tubes, and missile tubes designed to fire anti-ship or land attack cruise missiles. Q&A With a Vet Who Served on a Nuclear Attack Sub A submarine will typically carry 12 to 38 torpedoes or missiles shared between four and eight torpedo tubes. Missile tubes, meanwhile, which are typically mounted vertically on the top of the hull, carry one missile each.

Later versions of the U.S. Navy’s Los Yono class submarine nuclear-powered attack submarine, for example, are armed with four 533-millimeter torpedo types for launching Mk-48 Advance Capability (ADCAP) torpedoes, some of the best guided torpedoes in the world. A Los Angeles-class boat can carry up to 33 weapons for these tubes, including Mk-48s and the submarine-launched version of the Harpoon anti-ship missile.

The submarines also house another 12 missile tubes each equipped with Tomahawk land-attack cruise missiles. Owen Humphreys - PA Images Getty Images The U. S. Navy’s Ohio-class guided missile submarines top the new list.

These subs, originally designed to carry up to 24 Trident nuclear-tipped ballistic missiles, were removed from the nuclear deterrence mission as a result of a treaty limiting nuclear arms between the U.S.

and Russia. Instead of retiring them, the Navy traded their Trident missile silos for the ability to carry Navy SEALs (and their underwater transports) and Tomahawk land-attack missiles.

The four converted Ohio-class boats can now carry a whopping 154 Tomahawk missiles, far more than any other platform. Alexander Ryumin Getty Images The list includes some new submarines, too, including Russia’s new Severodvinsk-class guided missile submarines with a total of 72 torpedoes and missiles, and the Royal Navy’s Astute class, with 44 weapons.

And it features some odd selections like Taiwan’s two Guppy-class submarines, originally built during World War II. Elsewhere on the list, you’ll find smaller, non-oceangoing submarines like Iran’s Fateh. Size isn’t everything, and some of the smallest submarines in the world made Sutton’s list.

In fact, of the 49 types of subs included, only one, the diminutive Yono class, has actually sunk an enemy warship. In March 2010, one of North Korea’s five Yono boats attacked the South Korean corvette Cheonansinking it and killing 46 sailors. Is This the Smallest Ship in the U.S. Navy? The Yono (“Salmon”) is just 95 feet long, displaces a mere 130 tons, and is equipped with only two torpedo tubes.

Nevertheless, it managed to sink a surface warship considerably bigger than it and slipped away without being detected. Of course, sinking enemy ships isn’t a modern submarine’s only mission. Subs, which are capable of creeping close to yono class submarine shorelines, are also excellent platforms for land-attack cruise missiles. In 2018, the Virginia-class submarine USS John Warner (No. 8 on the list) launched Tomahawk missiles against chemical weapons facilities in Syria. Royal Navy Trafalgar-class subs (No.

10) fired Tomahawk missiles against targets in Afghanistan and Libya, while Russia’s Kilo-class (No. 24) diesel electric submarines launched 3M14 Kalibr cruise missiles against targets in Syria in 2015. SAM YEH Getty Images The list doesn’t rank everything. For example, it doesn’t include torpedo and missile quality and effectiveness, which vary from navy to navy. It also doesn’t rank overall effectiveness: Taiwan’s two World War II-era Hai Shih-class submarines yono class submarine 11th on the list, but only by virtue of their ten torpedo tubes (six facing forward, four facing backward) and 14 torpedoes.

Today’s submarines typically have just half as many tubes (all facing forward), but twice as many torpedoes and missiles. Check out the whole list of the world’s most advanced submarines at Covert Shores. • Newsletter • About Us • Media Kit • Writer Guidelines • Press Room • Contact Us • Community Guidelines • Advertise Online • Customer Service • Subscribe • Other Hearst Subscriptions • Give a Gift • Events & Promotions • Giveaways • Being Green A Part of Hearst Digital Media Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.

Class overview Name Yono class Builders Yukdaeso-ri Naval Shipyards [1] Operators Korean People's Army Naval Force Preceded by Yugo class In service 1965–present In commission 10 Building 36 Completed 36 Active <36 (most in reserve) General characteristics Type Submarine Displacement • 120 tons submerged [2] • 76–95 tons surfaced Length 20–22 m yono class submarine ft 7 in – 72 ft 2 in) Beam 2.75 m (9 ft 0 in) Draught 1.6 m (5 ft 3 in) Propulsion Single-shaft MTU diesel engine with electric drive Speed • 10–11 knots (19–20 km/h; 12–13 mph) surfaced • 4–8 knots (7.4–14.8 km/h; 4.6–9.2 mph) submerged Range • 550 nmi (1,020 km; 630 mi) surfaced • 50 nmi (93 km; 58 mi) submerged Complement 2 + 6 or 7 special forces personnel Armament • 2 × 533 mm (21 in) torpedo tubes • Mines The Yono-class submarine (occasionally confused with Yugo-class) is a class of North Korean miniature submarines, produced for domestic use as well as for export.

Also referred to as the Yeono class, [3] these submarines displace 130 tons, yono class submarine less than North Korea's larger 1,800-ton Romeo-class submarines. [4] As of May 2010, North Korea is reported to operate ten of these submarines.

[4] Design [ edit ] The Yono-class submarine was first created in 1965. [5] Combat involvement [ edit ] Main article: ROKS Cheonan sinking A Yono-class submarine is thought to have fired the torpedo attack which sank a South Korean Pohang-class corvette, ROKS Cheonan on 26 March 2010 in South Korean waters. [6] According to some investigators, the weapon used in the attack was a North Korean-manufactured CHT-02D torpedo, from which substantial propulsion parts were recovered.

The device allegedly exploded not by contact, but by proximity 6 to 9 metres (20 to 30 ft) below Cheonan, creating a powerful pillar of water, called the bubble jet effect.

[7] High ranking North Korean military officials denounced the international investigation and said the North does not have the type of submarines that supposedly carried out the attack. They also dismissed claims regarding writings on the torpedo and clarified that "when yono class submarine put serial numbers on weapons, we engrave them with machines." South Korea's Yonhap Yono class submarine quoted South Korean officials as saying the North has about ten of the Yeono-class submarines.

[8] A member of the North Korean cabinet who defected to South Korea in 2011, said on 7 December 2012 that the crew of the North Korean submarine which sank Cheonan had been honored by the North Korean military and yono class submarine. The defector, known by the alias "Ahn Cheol-nam", stated that the captain, co-captain, engineer, and boatswain of the mini-sub which sank Cheonan had been awarded " Hero of the DPRK" in October 2010. [9] • ^ "North Korea – Military Industry".

www.globalsecurity.org. • ^ "Yono Class". 3 March 2016.

Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. • ^ Pappalardo, Joe (24 May 2010). "Is the U.S. Prepared to Face Midget Subs?". Popular Mechanics. • ^ a b North Korea rebuffs South Korea's evidence on Cheonan attack, Christian Science Monitor, 20 May 2010. • ^ "North Korea and Asymmetric Naval Warfare".

15 February 2016. • ^ "S Korea Confirms North's Torpedo Sank Warship". Malaysian National News agency. 21 May 2010. Retrieved 21 May 2010. • ^ "North Korea condemned by world powers over torpedo attack". The Telegraph. 20 May 2010. Retrieved 20 May 2010. • ^ South Korea Faces Domestic Skeptics Over Evidence Against North, by Ben Richardson and Saeromi Shin, Bloomberg News, 30 May 2010 • ^ JoongAng Ilbo, "N.

Korean Sailors Awarded Hero's Title For Attack On S. Korean Warship: Defector", 8 December 2012 Edit links • This page was last edited on 28 October 2021, at 07:54 (UTC). • Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0 ; additional terms may apply.

By using this site, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc., a non-profit organization.

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The new GORAE Class ballistic missile submarine returns from a test launch in 2016. Guide to the North Korean Navy's submarine capabilities With approximately 70 boats North Korea has the second or third largest fleet of submarines in the world, after only the United Yono class submarine and possibly China.

And while the submarines themselves may be small or antiquated, the men who man them have a proven track record of loyalty, discipline, basic naval competence and aggressive leadership.

Under the regime of Kim Jong-Il (1997-2011) they were involved in a series of operations in South Korean waters and 26th March 2010 one of them attacked and sunk the South Korean corvette Cheonan. It is unclear how much of these qualities remains under the leadership of Kim Jong-Un but there seems little reason to presume that it has significantly altered. Considering that most of its submarines rarely put to sea and only operate on short exercises, the fleet has demonstrated surprisingly high levels of readiness.

Yono class submarine to South Korean media reports some 50 North Korean submarines (70% of the fleet) left their bases on 23rd August 2015 in a move which surprised analysts, and the South.

Apparently, the exercise was undetected by the South. as many as 70% of North Koreas submarine operate undetected by the South. Original artwork. CLICK for high-resolution image. Indigenous submarine program North Korea had started an indigenous midget-submarine in the early 1960s with a crude two-man being captured by the South in 1965.

Its crew had abandoned it after it was caught out by the receding tide in the Han River. It was just 5.7m (19 ft) long. The design does not appear to have been pursued. The yono class submarine midget submarine, 1965 According to declassified CIA documents North Korea imported six 16 meter long midget submarines from Yugoslavia in 1973-74. (Note that I have been unable to substantiate this, or tie down the design. Yugoslavia did have a submarine building capability but was not producing midget submarines for its own use at this time.) At about the same time they received ROMEO Class attack submarines from China and started local production.

By the early 1980s several classes of midget submarines were under construction, possibly based on the Yugoslav design and/or technology. The early designs were 18 meter and 21 meter midget submarines (known by their length, and possibly by the codename YUGO Class).

At least 29 of the 18m and 7 of the 21m designs were built at Sinpo on the East Coast. These were likely indigenous designs but based on the Yugoslavian boats. No confirmed images exist in the public domain. A 32 meter midget submarine with two external torpedo tubes was launched in 1984 at Najin on the East Coast.

No photos exist but it the below sketch is based on a description in the CIA briefing: A single 41 meter submarine was constructed around the same time (possibly earlier). This also had a cutting bow like the 32m type and may have been a dedicated Special Forces transport submarine (SSLP). No photos and very little information exists in the public domain. The ultimate book of Special Forces subs Covert Shores 2nd Edition is the ONLY world history of naval Special Forces, their missions and their specialist vehicles.

SEALs, SBS, COMSUBIN, Sh-13, Spetsnaz, Kampfschwimmers, Commando Hubert, 4RR and many more. Check it out on Amazon YUGO Class P-4 Midget Submarine (SM) Very few if any of the original 18m and 21m YUGO Class boats remain in service.

However a 24m version, sometimes known as the P-4 type is in service. It has also been exported to Yono class submarine. This is a neatly laid out design with streamlined bow and clean lines, except for an unusual stern configuration with the hydroplanes and dual rudders beneath the hull. This configuration is reminiscent of the German Type-205 submarine.

Unlike the Russian/Chinese ROMEO Class submarines constructed in North Korea the YUGO P-4 is a single-hull design, which removes any serious suggestion that it is a Russian design. Unlike earlier designs it has two 533mm (21”) torpedo tubes within the hull.

These take up most of the forward half of the submarine but there is room for a lock-out chamber for divers about mid-way between the bow and the sail. This exits out of the top of the casing. A modest sonar and sensor fit allows this boat to operate as both an inshore ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) platform, including Special Forces or agent operations, or as an attack submarine.

Its range and sea keeping limit it to littoral operations however. A P-4 submarine was captured by South Korean forces in 1998 after it became entangled in fishing nets. The crew committed suicide and scuttled the boat but it was raised and put into limited service by the South Korean Navy. It is now retired and displayed at the Submarine Base at Busan (35.133723° N, 128.619805° E). Vietnam operates two YUGO Class boats imported from North Korea.

Although rarely photographed these provide valuable insights into the type. Specification Displacement: 90t submerged Length: 24 meters Beam: 3.1 meters Power: 1 diesel engine, 1 yono class submarine motor Speed Est.

10 knots surfaced, 4 knots submerged Range: TBC Max Depth: TBC Crew: 5 + 2-6 Special Forces / agents Armament: 2 x 533-mm torpedoes with no reloads (some sources say 406mm torpedoes) The captured North Korean example had an unusual five-blade screwback propeller with a second smaller propeller behind it.

Both rotate in the same direction. SANG-O Class 상어급 잠수함 - 35 meter Midget Submarine (SM) The SANG-O (Shark) is larger and more capable than the YUGO Class. It is the most numerous North Korean type yono class submarine as many as 40 boats may be in service.

At 35 meters in length it is somewhere between a true midget submarine and a small coastal submarine like the German Type-206. Like midget submarines however its torpedo armament is limited to what is in the tubes with no space for reloads inside the boat. This limits its combat persistence in the anti-shipping role.

Construction of the class began at Sinpo on the East Coast in 1991. Most seem to have been built from 1991-1997, including some on the West Coast (possibly at Nampo). A Sang-O damaged during an infiltration mission off South Korea on 8th September 1996. It had landed 3 agents on 15th September and was attempting pick them up when its propeller was damaged.

25 crew and commandos escaped and fought a series of skirmishes with South Korean troops while attempting to yono class submarine to the border. One was captured and the rest were killed, ten by their own commander who appears to have committed suicide.

11 South Korean soldiers and 6 civilians were also killed. The captured Sang-O is now on display at the Tongil Park in South Korea. Its propeller, which is shrouded, is conspicuously absent in this image. It was sheared off and is displayed next to the boat. Photo Mark Snape (www.flickr.com/photos/marksnape/) The Special Forces / infiltration version has no torpedo tubes but a diver lock-out on the lower starboard side.

Specification Displacement: 277t surfaced, 370t submerged Length: 35 meters Beam: 3.8 meters Height: 6.7 meters overall Power: 1 diesel engine, 1 electric motor Speed 7.2 knots surfaced, 8.8 knots submerged Range: 1500 nautical miles Max Depth: 150 meters Crew: 15 Armament (attack sub): 2 x 533-mm torpedoes with no reloads Armament (Special Forces /infiltration version): None.

5 infiltrators and 6 KWP Reconnaissance Bureau Cadre as passengers YONO Class MS-29 Midget Submarine (SM) The YONO Class (also Romanized YONEO, meaning Salmon) is a direct successor of the YUGO Class.

Bearing a strong outward resemblance to the earlier design, it is longer with a larger diameter hull. Conditions inside remain cramped with no reloads for the twin torpedo tubes. Fleet estimates are difficult but some sources cite 10 units. A YONO Class boat was reported as involved in the Cheonan sinking in 2010, and one was reported lost in 2016. Specification Displacement: 130t submerged Length: 29 meters Beam: 2.75 meters Power: 1 diesel engine, 1 electric motor.

1 retractable outboard electric thruster Speed Est. 10 knots surfaced, 4 knots submerged Range: TBC Max Depth: TBC Crew: Est. 7 + 2-6 Special Forces / Agents Armament: 2 x 533-mm torpedoes with no reloads Much of what we know about the YONO comes from a licensed copy of the design produced in large numbers in Iran.

Iran originally received four YONO Class submarines from North Korea in the early 2000s and then produced its own copy as the IS-120 Ghadir Class. The Ghadir differs in some details such as the protruding attack sonar on the bow and small diver stores locker mounted externally in front of the sail.

SANG-O II Class 39 meter Midget Submarine (SM) At least two enlarged SANG-O boats were produced. These are 39m long and have a redesigned sail.

Exact modifications are unclear but the increased length may allow for torpedo reloads. Specification Displacement: 350t surfaced, Est. 440t submerged Length: 39 meters Beam: 3.8 meters Height: 6.7 meters overall Power: 1 diesel engine, 1 electric motor Speed TBC Range: TBC Max Depth: 150 meters Crew: TBC Armament (attack sub): 2 x 533-mm torpedo tubes, possibly up to 4 reloads.

GORAE Class (aka SINPO Class) 신포급 잠수함 - Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSB) Nuclear armed ballistic missile submarines are an exclusive club. Only US, UK, France, Russia, China and India have them. With the GORAE Class (initially labelled the SINPO Class by some analysts) North Korea is poised to join the club, bringing more distant targets within range. The GORAE Class is however much smaller and less capable than other ballistic missile submarines.

I am cautious to suggest that it will be conducting deterrence patrols off the West Coast of US any time soon, but it does present a launch platform which is not restricted to Korea's confined landmass. And whatever the submarine's sea-keeping and endurance relative to proper SSBNs, regional targets such as Japan, Guam and even Hawaii may be within range. Main article The GORAE Class carries a single NK-11 “북극성-1” (Pukgeukseong-1 = 'North Star-1' = 'Polaris-1') Submarine launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) in the sail.

The configuration is similar to the Soviet GOLF Class ballistic missile submarine, some of which were scrapped in North Korea, but the similarities end there. Missile Specification Length: 9.3m Diameter: 1.5m Weight: 14 metric tons Warhead: Single nuclear weapon Propulsion: Solid fueled rocket (oiginally a Liquid fueled rocket motor) Launch: Submerged, ignited (not ejected) Range: TBC ROMEO Class Project-633 / Type-033 Attack Submarine (SS) More modern than the WHISKEY Class (which appears completely retired), the ROMEO Class are the largest submarines in North Korean inventory.

7 boats were imported from China in 1973 and then construction of the first 11 local versions took place with Chinese assistance at Sinpo shipyard on the East Coast from 1974 to 1979. Production resumed, probably without Chinese help, from 1985 to 1996.

As many as 20 are reported in service although numbers are likely declining over time. Originally designed in the 1950s, the Russian ROMEO Class represents a modest anti-shipping threat in the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan (aka East Sea). Their operational range would allow patrols in the East China Sea and Western Pacific but this appears operationally ambitious for the North Korean Navy. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un visiting a ROMEO Class submarine, 2014 Although it is probable that some have received some upgrades, overall the equipment standard is likely to be extremely basic and/or vintage.

Specification Displacement: 1,328 tons surfaced, 1,712 tons submerged Length: 76.68 m (251 ft) Beam: 6.72 m (22 ft) Speed: 15.31 knots surfaced, 13.18 knots submerged Operating depth: 724 meters (2,375 ft) Crew: 64 Endurance: 3,820 nautical miles @ 9 knot with snorkel (normal fuel load), 260 nautical miles submerged on batteries (economocal speed) Armament: 8 × 533mm (21in) torpedo tubes (6 forward, 2 aft) with 14 torpedoes North Korean ROMEO Class SS seen exercising for the cameras.

(added 26th April 2017) Get The essential guide to World Submarines This Covert Shores Recognition Guide Covers over 80 classes of submarines including all types currently in service with World Navies. Check it out on Amazon Related articles North Korean Modified-Romeo Class ballistic missile submarine + Nuclear Missile submarines North Korean Very Slender Vessels (VSVs) North Korean Gorae Class SSB Soviet Project 1015 'SPLC' Special Purpose midget submarine infographic of North Korean MS-29 YONO Class midget sub P.09851 KHABAROVSK and KANYON (Status-6) INS Arihant, Indian SSBN and .2 Iranian Fateh Class SSK HDS-500 Midget Submarine Vogo ASDV-800 Dry Combat Submersible Vogo DPD-200 diver propulsion device Vogo 'Chariot' SDVs (SDV-300, SDV-340.) Taedong-B 'Kajami' ('Zulfikar') submersible boat LTTE Sea Tigers' sneak craft and midget subs
• IR : Yono Class / Ghadir Class [Iran] • IR : Yono / Ghadir - Specifications • IR : Yono / Ghadir - Ship List • IR : Yono / Ghadir - Pictures • DPRK : SSC Sang-O Class Resources • Iran’s Mass Production of Ghadir Coastal Submarines December 18, 2013 • Iran: Yono class submarine Submarine Maintenance-Fabrication Shop • Ghadir Submarine Construction of Iran Yono Class / Ghadir Class Midget Submarine In 2005 Iran announced it would start production of its first indigenous submarine.

Iran on 11 May 2005 officially launched the production of its first locally built submarine, a craft capable of operating stealthily, state-run television reported.

Defence Ministry spokesman Mohammad Imani was quoted as saying "the enemy would not be able to detect the submarine." He did not elaborate. One submarine had already been built and was shown on television, cruising at sea level.

The Defence Ministry had commissioned an unspecified number of the craft that's been dubbed "Ghadir." The hull was launched in 2006. In 2007 the Iranian navy unveiled a submarine, named the Qadir (also written Ghadir), first of a number of planned midget submarines of the Yono class.

Some observers suggested that the Qadir was otherwise similar to the North Korean Yugo boats, leading observers to suggest that this was an Iranian design based heavy on that class.

But the Ghadir was 50% longer than the Yugo, and in fact resembled the North Korean Sang-O Class coastal submarines. Iranian authorities asserted that yono class submarine Qadir was an entirely Iranian design, and that the vessel could launch anti-ship missiles. Such a capability would have required the installation of more advanced systems into the submarine or the operation in concert with other vessels capable of guiding any such missiles.

The Qadir does have provisions for mounting yono class submarine Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV), a type of craft that Iran has also developed. Iran described the Ghadir as a "light" submarine, meaning it is smaller than the attack subs used by the United States. Iran has provided very little information about the craft, including its dimensions or the size of its crew.

The Shi'a celebrate the Eid al-Ghadir on 18 Dhu al-Hijja in the Islamic calendar, the day when Prophet Muhammad appointed Ali for the caliphate. Ghadir is a site in the Arabian Peninsula holy to Shias, the overwhelming majority of Iran's 69 million people. On 18th Zilhajjah of the year 10 A.H. (10 March 632 CE), after completing the last pilgrimage the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) along with the Muslims set out of Makkah.

On their way back the Muslims reached a place called Ghadir-e-khumm. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) said: "He (Ali) is the mawla (i.e., has prior right to and superior authority over the lives) of all those of whom I am mawla.

O Allah, love him who loves him (Ali) and hate him who hates him." The "day of Ghadeer" is particularly specified for helping deserving people." The submarine, which is capable of operating in the Persian Gulf and Oman seawaters, can launch both missiles and torpedoes at the same time, the television reported, without specifying the range of the projectiles.

In December 2004, Iran announced the production of a line of stealth torpedoes that could be launched from helicopters, ships or submarines. Iranian officials have repeatedly said the Islamic Republic will defend itself should the United States yono class submarine archrival Israel initiate any aggression.

Pressure has mounted on Iran recently with suspicion over its nuclear program which Washington suspects is aimed at building unconventional weapons, a charge Iranian officials vehemently deny.

OSgeoint noted in October 2011 that "a review of satellite imagery on 22 March 2005 shows Iran breaking ground on what will be the Defense Industries Organization’s Ghadir (SSC) submarine fabrication-maintenance shop at Bandar-e-Abbas. By 10 February 2008, imagery shows the majority of the construction, including the base for the wharf and the transverse table, complete while a gantry crane is waiting to be assembled.

Imagery from 9 June 2009 confirms the maintenance-fabrication shop operational but also suggests the facility was being utilized at a much earlier date." In November 2007 Iran claimed to have built a small submarine equipped with sonar-evading technology, saying the craft had been launched yono class submarine the Persian Gulf.

The navy chief, Adm. Habibollah Sayyari, was quoted by state television as saying the new Ghadir-class submarine is the second Iranian-built underwater craft outfitted with "state-of-the-art electronic equipment." He said it took 10 years to build.

Iran's Naval Submarine fleet will be equipped with a new domestically manufactured submarine, the senior Iranian navy commander said in August 2008. Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said that Iranian technicians have used indigenous technology to build the new submarine. He did not specify the class of the new submarine. Iran's Navy currently operates Ghadir and Nahang (meaning whale in Persian) submarines.

According to Rear Adm. Sayyari, the Ghadir submarine is equipped with the latest military and technological equipments. On 26 November 2008 the Commander of the Islamic Republic Army's Navy Rear Admiral Habibollah Sayyari said that in next 15 days another Ghadir class submarine would be delivered to the Navy. Sayyari told reporters after touring IRNA head office that the submarine has been designed and built by Marine Industries Organization.

He said moreover, a light submarine will join the Navy's fleet on the Navy Day. He added that once the submarines join the Navy, its deterrent power deep inside the sea will increase dramatically.

This would mark possibly the fouth submarine in this class. Reportedly being mass produced [reportedly at a cost of $18 million each], the first of this class, Ghadir, has been paraded for the press.

Although usually described as a mini-submarine, it is rather larger than Iran's other mini-subs. The Ghadir, with a displacement estimated at between 120 tons yono class submarine 500 tons, is probably better described as a coastal or littoral submarine, similar in concept to the Italian Sauro class though significantly smaller. Photographs indicate it has a pair of bow torpedo tubes which appear to be 21" allowing them to fire typical heavyweight torpedoes.

It could thus serve as a launch platform for the infamous Shkval rocket torpedo, which has been transfered to Iran. The Iranian navy has yono class submarine and acquired two Ghadir-class diesel-electric submarines to enhance Iranian naval operations in waterways such as the Persian Gulf, according to Iran’s state TV. The miniature submarines took about 18 months to build, Times of Israel reported 29 NOvember 2018, citing a report carried on Iranian state television.

Both underwater boats were constructed inside Iran, which began producing the Ghadir-class subs around 2005.

The subs are equipped with sonar-evading technology and underwater-launched cruise missiles, Times of Israel notes. The mini subs, sometimes called midget subs, displace fewer than 120 metric tons of water. According to video of a ceremony inducting the submarines into the Iranian navy, Adm. Mojtaba Mohammadi said the sub beside him was the 14th Iranian-made submarine to join the country's navy. While it's not clear how many submarines there are in the Iranian fleet in total, the Times of Israel said it was believed there were 12 light submarines and a trio of Russian-made underwater boats.

Strategy Page noted 30 November 2018 that "One was newly built (over 18 months) while the other underwent a ten-month refurbishment. That would make 22 of these in service although there have been reports that some have been lost due to accidents at sea.

After ten years of trial and error, they produced the first 120 ton Ghadir (Qadir) class vessels in 2005. By 2012 Iran claimed to have 21 of these small diesel-electric subs but no new ones were produced until recently. Some of the Ghadirs have undergone upgrades or refurbishment."Today, the world worries mostly about the threat posed by North Korea’s growing nuclear weapons arsenal and ballistic missiles.

And yet, the Kim family has lots of older conventional weapons like mini-submarines that in wartime could do a lot of damage to the U.S.-ROK alliance: North Korea’s submarine fleet – one of the world’s largest – personifies some of the defining features of the North Korean military as a whole. As a subset of the larger submarine fleet, North Korea’s many coastal and mini-submarines, yono class submarine particular, stand out as intriguing encapsulations of some of the North Korean military’s important characteristics.

The Quantity Problem North Korea’s Korean Peoples’ Army (KPA) is characterized largely by a quantity over quality dynamic. The KPA is large, with nearly 1.3 million active-duty soldiers currently underarms, and boasts an advantage in numbers in some important areas over its Southern counterpart, including in artillery pieces, multiple rocket launchers (MRLs), and tanks. This advantage in overall capacity is marred by a qualitative deficiency when compared to both the South Korean and American militaries, however, with the Yono class submarine fielding largely outdated equipment whose capability is lacking in comparison to the equipment fielded by the more modern militaries of its adversaries.

Asymmetric Capabilites To overcome this qualitative inferiority, North Korea has prioritized the pursuit of asymmetric military capabilities, with the U.S. Department of Defense assessing that the DPRK yono class submarine its efforts on areas yono class submarine it believes it may have the potential for some comparative advantage over its rivals. This type of strategic thinking is not new for North Korea, with a similar approach to defense modernization having existed since the early 1960s when North Korea promulgated a new defense policy known as the Four-Point Military Guidelines, which included an emphasis on military capabilities that provided the greatest strategic benefit at the lowest possible cost in keeping with the country’s financial and yono class submarine constraints.

This strategic logic has contributed to North Korea’s decision to pursue its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, as well as to its focus on such capabilities as special operations forces and cyber tools. North Korea’s submarine fleet reflects both the overriding dynamic of the KPA as well as its asymmetric focus.

The DPRK’s submarine fleet – like the Yono class submarine as a whole – is large, with top-end estimates placing the total fleet at over 80 vessels, while other estimates gauge its total strength to be closer to 70 boats.

The fleet is comprised primarily of aging vessels, however, and is made up of a combination of conventional attack submarines, coastal submarines, mini-subs, and an emerging ballistic missile submarine capability. North Korea’s conventional attack submarine fleet is made up of Soviet Romeo-class submarines, the first of which was acquired by North Korea in the 1970s. In addition, North Korea operates a single Gorae-class ballistic missile submarine and is reportedly approaching completion of a second, dedicated ballistic missile submarine that has been dubbed the Sinpo-C.

The Mini Submarine Threat The remainder of North Korea’s submarine fleet is comprised of a mix of coastal and mini-submarines, including roughly 40 Yono class submarine and Sang-0 II-class coastal submarines and approximately 20 Yugo- and Yono-class mini-submarines.

As with submarines more generally, these vessels fit the asymmetric mold of North Korean military prioritization. Like their conventional brethren, North Korea’s coastal and mini-submarines lack capability when compared on a one-to-one basis with the vessels of its primary adversary navies, but are likely to still pose a threat to those vessels, ports, and enemy shipping when deployed as a swarm.

Unlike its larger conventional attack counterparts, however, North Korean coastal and mini subs yono class submarine not capable of conducting extended patrols, and are limited to a coastal defense role. The above limitations notwithstanding, these submarines remain a potential threat. It is believed that a North Korean mini-sub was responsible for the 2010 sinking of the ROK Navy corvette Cheonan that left 46 South Korean sailors dead, demonstrating the danger posed by these vessels.

In addition, coastal and mini-submarines provide North Korea utility and flexibility that reflects the larger North Korean desire for strategic value in its military capabilities. In addition to their potential for use against enemy ships, coastal and mini-submarines are well suited for use as infiltration vessels for the insertion of North Korean specials forces operatives.

A North Korean coastal submarine was, for example, used in 1996 to insert special forces operatives into South Korea, which kicked off a series of firefights and a day’s long manhunt.

North Korea operates a Special Operations Force of roughly 200,000 highly capable soldiers trained for reconnaissance and sabotage operations, and which would likely play an important role in a major conflict on the Korean Peninsula as rear-area infiltrators. North Korea maintains a number of capabilities for deploying its special operations soldiers, including coastal and mini-submarines operated by the Reconnaissance General Bureau, the country’s military intelligence organization.

Within the RGB, the First Bureau – responsible for escort operations – is believed to operate a number of the vessels, as is the Maritime Department of the Second Bureau. North Korea’s coastal and mini-submarines are an interesting reflection of the KPA as a whole. They are numerous, and as such pose a threat, but are themselves qualitatively limited. They are also an example of the asymmetric focus on the part of the North Korean military that has prioritized such a line of development, while their added utility as infiltration vessels also demonstrates the North Korean emphasis on strategic value in its military capabilities.

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The Yono class submarine is a class of North Korean miniature submarines, produced for domestic use and export. Also referred to as Yeono class vessels, these submarines displace 130 tons, significantly less than North Korea's larger 1,800-ton Romeo class submarines.

As of May 2010, North Korea is reported to operate 10 of these submarines. A Yono class submarine is thought to have fired the torpedo attack which sank a South Korean Pohang-class corvette, the ROKS Cheonan on March 26, 2010 in South Korean waters.

According to investigators, the weapon used in the attack was a North Korean manufactured CHT-02D torpedo, of which substantial parts were recovered. The device exploded not by contact, but by proximity, creating a powerful pillar of water, called the bubble jet effect.
Yono-class submarine Class overview Builders: North Yono class submarine Navy Yukdaeso-ri Naval Shipyards Operators: Korean People's Navy Islamic Republic of Iran Navy Preceded by: Yugo class submarine Subclasses: Ghadir class submarine In service: 1965-1980s In commission: 10 Building: 36 Completed: 36 Active: <36 (most in reserve mode) General characteristics Displacement: 130 tons submerged 76-95 tons surfaced Length: 20-22 m Beam: 2.75 m Draught: 1.6 m Propulsion: Single-shaft MTU diesel engine with electric drive Speed: 10-11 knots surfaced 4-8 knots dived Range: 550 nm surfaced or 50 nm submerged Crew: 2 + 6 or 7 special forces personnel Armament: 2 × 533mm (21in) torpedo tubes mines The Yono class submarine (also as Yugo Class) is a class of North Korean miniature submarines, produced for domestic use as well as for export.

Also referred to as Yeono class vessels, these submarines displace 130 tons, significantly less than North Korea's larger 1,800-ton Romeo class submarines. [1] As of May 2010, North Korea is reported to operate 10 of these submarines.

[1] Main article: ROKS Cheonan sinking A Yono class submarine is thought to have fired the torpedo attack which sank a South Korean Pohang-class corvette, the ROKS Cheonan on March 26, 2010 in South Korean waters.

[2] According to some investigators, the weapon used in the attack was a North Korean-manufactured CHT-02D torpedo, from which substantial parts were recovered. The device allegedly exploded not by contact, but by proximity, creating a powerful pillar of water, called the bubble jet effect. [3] High ranking North Korean military officials denounced the international investigation and said the North does not have the type of submarines that supposedly carried out the attack.

They also dismissed claims regarding writings on the torpedo and clarified that "when we put serial numbers on weapons, we engrave them with machines." South Korea’s Yonhap News quoted South Korean officials as saying the North has about 10 of the Yeono class submarines.

[4] Export and foreign production The US Congressional Research Service suggests that Iran has purchased several midget submarines from North Korea. [5] The purchase may have involved Yono class and Yugo class mini-subs. [6] Beginning in 2006, Iran launched the first of several domestically-produced mini-subs. [5] In 2007 the Iranian navy unveiled its Qadir (Ghadir) class submarine, the first yono class submarine a number of planned midget submarines of the Yono class.

[5] Observers have disagreed on the exact classification of the Iranian derivative: Iran claims the vessel is a fully independent design, but it has been compared to the North Korean Yugo boats, Yono subs, and/or Sang-O Class coastal submarines. Notes • ↑ 1.0 1.1 North Korea rebuffs South Korea's evidence on Cheonan attack, Christian Science Monitor, May 20, 2010. • ↑ "S Korea Confirms North's Torpedo Sank Warship".

Malaysian National News agency. 21 May 2010. http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=499970. Retrieved 21 May 2010. • ↑ "North Korea condemned by world powers over torpedo attack". The Telegraph. 20 May 2010. http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/7743830/North-Korea-condemned-by-world-powers-over-torpedo-attack.html.

Retrieved 20 May 2010. • ↑ South Korea Faces Domestic Skeptics Over Evidence Against North, by Ben Richardson and Saeromi Shin, Bloomberg News, 30-05-2010 • ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Iran Buys North Korean Midget Submarines, Marport: Happenings From the World of Deep Sea Technology • ↑ GlobalSecurity.org References • GlobalSecurity.org • The Naval Institute Guide to Combat Fleets of the World: Their Ships
Guide To North Korean Navy's Submarine Types With approximately 70 boats North Korea has possibly the largest submarines fleet in the world.

It is rivalled only by the U.S. navy and PLAN (Chinese Navy). And while the submarines themselves may be small yono class submarine antiquated, the men who man them have a proven track record. They exhibit loyalty, discipline, basic naval competence and aggressive leadership.

CLICK to Enlarge. Original artwork. Under the regime of Kim Jong-Il (1997-2011) they were involved in a series of operations in South Korean waters. On March 26 2010 one of them attacked and sunk the South Korean corvette Cheonan. The torpedo broke the warship in two.

It is unclear how much of these qualities remains under the leadership of Kim Jong-Un. But yono class submarine seems little reason to presume that it has significantly altered. What has changed however is the emphasis. While his father mostly built a large fleet of midget submarines, Kim Jong-Un is focusing on ballistic missile submarines.

Not exclusively, there is a mysterious new midget submarine too, but substantially. This is combined with an aggressive missile test schedule which, over the course of five years these have progressed from short range wobbles to serious capabilities.

Now when the North conducts a test launch, even of a brand new missile, we expect a success. It is a formidable capability and one which is shaping the force.

The Gorae Class ballistic missile submarine surfaces after a test launch, October 2021. The question remains about numbers and operational readiness however. In fact it might be suffering due to the focus on the few ballistic missile boats.

Most of the submarines rarely put to sea, and only operate on short exercises. However, the fleet has demonstrated surprisingly high levels of readiness. According to South Korean media reports some 50 North Korean submarines (70% of the fleet) left their bases on 23rd August 2015.

This move surprised analysts. Apparently, the exercise was undetected by the South. as many as 70% yono class submarine North Koreas submarine operate undetected by the South. Get The essential guide to World Submarines This Covert Shores Recognition Guide Covers over 80 classes of submarines including all types currently in service with World Navies. Check it out on Amazon History of North Korea's Indigenous submarine program North Korea had started an indigenous midget-submarine in the early 1960s with a crude two-man type.

This was captured by the South in 1965. Its crew had abandoned it after it was caught out by the receding tide in the Han River. It was just 5.7m (19 ft) long. The design does not appear to have been pursued. The captured midget submarine, 1965 According to declassified CIA documents, North Korea imported six 16 meter long midget submarines from Yugoslavia in 1973-74. ( Note that I have been unable to substantiate this, or tie down the design.

Yugoslavia did have a submarine building capability but was not producing midget submarines for its own use at this time). Around this time they also received ROMEO Class attack submarines from China.

These were put into local production with Chinese help. By the early 1980s several classes of midget submarines were under construction, possibly based on the Yugoslav design and/or technology. The early designs were 18 meter and 21 meter midget submarines (known by their length, and possibly by the codename YUGO Class).

At least 29 of the 18m and 7 of the 21m designs were built at Sinpo on the East Coast. These were likely indigenous designs but based on the Yugoslavian boats. No confirmed images exist in the public domain. A 32 meter midget submarine with two external torpedo tubes was launched in 1984 at Najin on the East Coast. No photos exist but it the below sketch is based on a description in the CIA briefing: A single 41 meter submarine was constructed around the same time (possibly earlier).

This also had a cutting bow like the yono class submarine type and may have been a dedicated Special Forces transport submarine (SSLP). No photos and very little information exists in the public domain.

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SEALs, SBS, COMSUBIN, Sh-13, Spetsnaz, Kampfschwimmers, Commando Hubert, 4RR and many more. Check it out on Amazon ROMEO-Mod, The 'New' Ballistic Missile Submarine First revealed on July 23 2019, it is unclear whether this boat yono class submarine been launched yet (at the time of writing).

Footage has shown Kim Jong Un inspecting the submarine, probably in Sinpo on the east coast. Although described as “newly built” in propaganda, it is clearly a rebuilt ROMEO class submarine. Three missile tubes have been added to a new sail. The addition of the missile silos, likely for the Pukgeukseong-5 (북극성-5) missile, comes at a cost of the aft batteries. This likely limits underwater endurance significantly. Gorae Class (SINPO-B Class) (신포급 잠수함) Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSB) Nuclear armed ballistic missile submarines are an exclusive club.

Until now only US, UK, France, Russia, China and India have them. With the Yono class submarine Class (initially labelled the SINPO-B Class by analysts), North Korea joined the club, bringing more distant targets within range. The Gorae Class is however much smaller and less capable than other ballistic missile submarines. Yet whatever the submarine's sea-keeping and endurance are relative to proper SSBNs, regional targets such as Japan, Guam and even Hawaii may be within range.

The submarine however, with its single tube, should be viewed as a test platform with only limited operational capabilities. The GORAE Class carries a single NK-11 “북극성-1” (Pukgeukseong-1 = 'North Star-1' = 'Polaris-1') Submarine launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM) in the sail. The configuration is similar to the Soviet GOLF Class ballistic missile submarine, some of which were scrapped in North Korea, but the similarities end there.

Pukgeukseong-1 Specification Length: 9.3m Diameter: 1.5m Weight: 14 metric tons Warhead: Single nuclear weapon Propulsion: Solid fueled rocket (oiginally a Liquid fueled rocket motor) Launch: Submerged, ignited (not ejected) Range: TBC ROMEO Class (Project-633 / Type-033) Attack Submarine (SS) More modern than the now-retired WHISKEY Class, these are the largest submarines in North Korean inventory. 7 boats were imported from China in 1973. This was followed by construction of the first 11 local versions at Sinpo shipyard on the East Coast from 1974 to 1979.

Production resumed, probably without Chinese help, from 1985 to 1996. As many as 20 are reported in service although numbers are likely declining over time.

At least one has been modified as a ballistic missile submarine and more might follow. Originally designed in the 1950s, the Russian ROMEO Class represents a modest anti-shipping threat in the Yellow Sea and Sea of Japan (aka East Sea). Their operational range would allow patrols in the East China Sea and Western Pacific but this appears operationally ambitious for the North Korean Yono class submarine. North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un visiting a ROMEO Class submarine, 2014 Although it is probable that some have received some upgrades, overall the equipment standard is likely to be extremely basic and/or vintage.

Specification Displacement: 1,328 tons surfaced, 1,712 tons submerged Length: 76.68 yono class submarine (251 ft) Beam: 6.72 m (22 ft) Speed: 15.31 knots surfaced, 13.18 knots submerged Operating depth: 724 meters (2,375 ft) Crew: 64 Endurance: 3,820 nautical miles @ 9 knot with snorkel (normal fuel load), 260 nautical miles submerged on batteries (economocal speed) Armament: 8 × 533mm (21in) torpedo tubes (6 forward, 2 aft) with 14 torpedoes North Korean ROMEO Class SS seen exercising for the cameras.

(added 26th April 2017) Sang-O II Class Midget Submarine (SSM) At least two enlarged SANG-O boats were produced. These are 39m long and have a redesigned sail. Exact modifications are unclear but the increased length may allow for torpedo reloads. Specification Displacement: 350t surfaced, Est. 440t submerged Length: 39 meters Beam: 3.8 meters Height: 6.7 meters overall Power: 1 diesel engine, 1 electric motor Speed TBC Range: TBC Max Depth: 150 meters Crew: TBC Armament (attack sub): 2 x 533-mm torpedo tubes, possibly up to 4 reloads.

Sang-O Class (상어급 잠수함) Midget Submarine (SSM) The SANG-O (Shark) is larger and more capable than the YUGO Class. It is the most numerous North Korean type and as many as 40 boats may be in service. At 35 meters in length it is somewhere between a true midget submarine and a small coastal submarine like the German Type-206. Like midget submarines however its torpedo armament is limited to what is in the tubes with no space for reloads inside the boat. This limits its combat persistence in the anti-shipping role.

Construction of the class began at Sinpo on the East Coast in 1991. Most seem to have been built from 1991-1997, including some on the West Coast (possibly at Nampo). A Sang-O damaged during an infiltration mission yono class submarine South Korea on 8th September 1996. It had landed 3 agents on 15th September and was attempting pick them up when its propeller was damaged.

25 crew and commandos escaped and fought a series of skirmishes with South Korean troops while attempting to flee to the border. One was captured and the rest were killed, ten by their own commander who appears to have committed suicide. 11 South Korean soldiers and 6 civilians were also killed. The captured Sang-O is now on display at the Tongil Park in South Korea. Its propeller, which is shrouded, is conspicuously absent in this image. It was sheared off and is displayed next to the boat.

Photo Mark Snape (www.flickr.com/photos/marksnape/) The Special Forces / infiltration version has no torpedo tubes but a diver lock-out on the lower starboard side. Specification Displacement: 277t surfaced, 370t submerged Length: 35 meters Beam: 3.8 meters Height: 6.7 meters overall Power: 1 diesel engine, 1 electric yono class submarine Speed 7.2 knots surfaced, 8.8 knots submerged Range: 1500 nautical miles Max Depth: 150 meters Crew: 15 Armament (attack sub): 2 x 533-mm torpedoes with no reloads Armament (Special Forces /infiltration version): None.

5 infiltrators and 6 KWP Reconnaissance Bureau Cadre as passengers Yono Class / MS-29 Midget Submarine (SSM) The YONO Class (also Romanized as Yoneo, meaning Salmon) is a direct successor of the YUGO Class. Bearing a strong outward resemblance to the earlier design, it is longer with a larger diameter hull. Conditions inside remain cramped with no reloads for the twin torpedo tubes.

Fleet estimates are difficult but some sources cite 10 units. A YONO Class boat was reported as involved in the Cheonan sinking in 2010, and one was reported lost in 2016. Specification Displacement: 130t submerged Length: 29 meters Beam: 2.75 meters Power: 1 diesel engine, 1 electric motor. 1 retractable outboard electric thruster Speed Est. 10 knots surfaced, 4 knots submerged Range: TBC Max Depth: TBC Crew: Est. 7 + 2-6 Special Forces / Agents Armament: 2 x 533-mm torpedoes with no reloads Much of what we know about the YONO comes from a licensed copy of the design produced in large numbers in Iran.

Iran originally received four YONO Class submarines from North Korea in the early 2000s. It then produced its own copy as the IS-120 Ghadir Class. The Ghadir differs in some details such as the protruding attack sonar on the bow and small diver stores locker mounted externally in front of the sail.

SINPO-D, unidentified Midget Submarine (SSM) This submarine at least seems to have a designation, assigned by outside forces.

Sinpo-D was first seen in commercial satellite imagery of North Korea's secretive submarine yard at Sinpo. North Korean watchers at 38 North first noticed the object, which I identified as a likely submersible.

Since then, additional imagery has confirmed that it is a small submarine, approximately 16 meters long. There has been no announcement from North Korea. Yugo Class / P-4 Midget Submarine (SSM) Very few if any of the original 18m and 21m YUGO Class boats remain in service.

However a 24m version, sometimes known as the P-4 type yono class submarine in service. It has also been exported to Vietnam. This is a neatly laid out design yono class submarine streamlined bow and yono class submarine lines. Except for an unusual stern configuration with the hydroplanes and dual yono class submarine beneath the hull.

This configuration is reminiscent of the German Type-205 submarine. Unlike the Russian/Chinese ROMEO Class submarines constructed in North Korea the YUGO P-4 is a single-hull design. This removes any serious suggestion that it is based on a Russian design. Unlike earlier types it has two 533mm (21”) torpedo tubes within the hull. These take up most of the forward half of the submarine but there is room for a lock-out chamber for divers about mid-way between the bow and the sail.

This exits out of the top of the casing. A modest sonar / sensor fit allows this boat to operate as both an inshore ISR (Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance) platform, including Special Forces or agent operations, or as an attack submarine. Its range and sea keeping limit it to littoral operations however.

A P-4 submarine was captured by South Korean forces in 1998 after it became entangled in fishing nets. The crew committed suicide and scuttled the boat but it was raised and put into limited service by the South Korean Navy. It is now retired and displayed at the Submarine Base at Busan (35.133723° N, 128.619805° E). Vietnam operates two YUGO Class boats imported from North Korea. Although rarely photographed these provide valuable insights into the type.

Specification Displacement: 90t submerged Length: 24 meters Beam: 3.1 meters Power: 1 diesel engine, 1 electric motor Speed Est. 10 knots surfaced, 4 knots submerged Range: TBC Max Depth: TBC Crew: 5 + 2-6 Special Forces / agents Armament: 2 x 533-mm torpedoes with no reloads (some sources say 406mm torpedoes) The captured North Korean example had an unusual five-blade screwback propeller with a second smaller propeller behind it.

Both rotate in the same direction. Related articles (Full index of popular Covert Shores articles) North Korean Modified-Romeo Class ballistic missile submarine w/Cutaway North Korean Gorae Class SSB North Korean MS-29 YONO Class midget sub. w/Cutaway Chinese Navy's First Cruise Missile Submarine, Type-033G Wuhan Class. w/Cutaway