This Is North Korea's Key Submarine Base

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un (front) stands on the conning tower of a submarine during his inspection of the Korean People's Army (KPA) Naval Unit 167 in this undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on June 16, 2014. Image Credit: KCNA via Reuters

The Diplomat: North Korea's Most Important Submarine Base

A look into Sinpo and Mayang-do: the keys to North Korea’s ongoing search for a ballistic missile submarine.

North Korea’s submarine force is one of the more capable wings of its generally decrepit military. The current force’s strength lies mostly in its numbers — North Korea possesses roughly 70 submarines in all, roughly 40 of which are its newest Shark-class vessels. (Though still dangerous to its adversaries, even the Shark-class reflects pretty dated technology.) With that number, the DPRK can and does crowd its coasts with torpedo-armed or mine-laying submarines, establishing a respectable anti-surface capability near its waters. Though most of its submarine force is old, loud, or both, still North Korea tinkers on, boldly determined to achieve a reliable sea-based nuclear deterrent.

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WNU Editor: The U.S., Japan, and South Korea are well aware on the threat that these North Korean subs can deliver ....

South Korea, Japan and US hold naval drills against North Korean submarines -- Straits Times/AFP
U.S., South Korea, Japan target North Korea submarine threats -- UPI
US Goes North Korean Sub Hunting With Key Asian Allies -- Daily Caller
S. Korea, U.S., Japan set for joint drills against N. Korean submarines -- Yonhap News Agency
Amid North Korean saber rattling, Japan, South Korea, U.S. hold first joint anti-submarine drills -- Japan Times