Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Is The U.S. Navy Prepared To Meet The Threat Of Midget Subs

A Yono-class submarine.

Is The U.S. Prepared To Face Midget Subs? -- Popular Mechanics

Don't let the funny, politically incorrect name fool you: Midget subs are a real threat. In the hands of North Korean and Iranian navies, these small vessels make good platforms for ambushes—and the U.S. Navy is clearly ready to hone its anti-submarine skills.

War tensions have been high since last week's announcement by the South Korean government that a 60-foot North Korean submarine fired a torpedo that sank a South Korean corvette and killed 46 sailors at the end of March. The South Koreans stated that a Yeono-class (alternatively spelled "Yono") midget submarine fired the torpedo in March. (They also field a larger midget submarine, the Sang-O, that fits 15 sailors. At least one of these subs was also on patrol when the attack happened, according to an international team of investigators looking into the incident with South Korea.) The attack occurred in 150 feet of water, enough room for the midget submarine to maneuver.

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My Comment: It is clear that the South Koreans were not ready to face midget subs. As for the U.S. .... I suspect the same situation exists. The fact that the U.S. has recently announced that they will be increasing anti-submarine training is a heads up to me that they are not up to the job.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

The picture you provide appears to be that of an Iranian Ghasir (spelling?) class mini-submarine while moored to its dock (note the beards, jackets, lack of ties amongst the personnel standing about the dock and on deck). Of course, according to PlaneMan (of Bluffer's Guide fame), this is simply a renamed or copy of a NorK class of mini-sub...

D. E. Reddick