A New North Korean Mini-Sub?

The mystery object in the North Korean base at Sinpo is much smaller than the Gorae Class ballistic missile submarine H I Sutton (Satellite imagery from Planet)

Forbes: New Mystery Submarine May Have Been Found In North Korea

A 50-foot-long object on the quayside at a secretive North Korean Navy base appears to be a small submarine. It could even be an extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV). The discovery by Western observers comes at a time when North Korea has shut off communication with the South and threatened to mobilize the country’s military against South Korea. In dramatic fashion, today it reportedly blew up a joint liaison office with the South.

The unidentified object was found in high resolution satellite imagery and was first reported by North Korean analysis website 38 North. There are several possibilities, from the mundane to the explosive. One suggestion is that it is a new class of submersible.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: Cannot tell much of the satellite photos. But I would not be surprised if North Korea is trying to develop a new class of submarines.

Satellite Photos Show North Korea Building A New Submarine Capable Of Launching Nuclear Missiles

Kim Jong-un during his July 2019 inspection of the “newly built submarine” at what is believed to be the Sinpo South Shipyard (Rodong Sinmun)

Daily Mail: Satellite photos show North Korea may be building a new submarine capable of launching nuclear ballistic missiles

* Report on Wednesday analyzes news imagery of the Sinpo South Shipyard
* Satellite photos show activity indicating construction of ballistic missile sub
* Analysts caution that it would likely be a year before the sub is operational

Satellite images indicate that North Korea may be constructing a new ballistic missile submarine, according to a new report.

Images of the Sinpo South Shipyard suggest circumstantial evidence of the construction of a new ballistic missile submarine, according to the report on Wednesday from the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

The evidence supports claims last month in North Korean state media, which said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had inspected a newly built submarine at an undisclosed location.

Read more ....

Update #1: Sinpo South Shipyard: Construction of a New Ballistic Missile Submarine? (Beyond Parallel)
Update #2: Photos indicate North Korea may be building submarine capable of launching nuclear missiles (NBC)

WNU Editor: That is a big sub.

North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Inspects New Submarine

The dictator (pictured with his officials) was shown praising a submarine that he says will patrol the sea to the east of his country as he boasted of a boost to national defences

Daily Mail: Kim Jong-Underwater inspects new submarine that was built with his 'special attention' as he orders many more to be constructed

* Kim Jong-Un pictured addressing his officials on state media claiming he will deploy a submarine protection
* Broadcaster KCNA did not specify what weapons the submarine will carry in the sea to the east of the country
* The so-called Supreme Leader hailed 'our kind of powerful submarine' as important to national defence

Dictator Kim Jong-Un inspected a newly built submarine and pointed out its tactical capabilities and weapons systems, North Korean state media said on Tuesday.

The totalitarian was seen walking ahead of his officials before addressing them as they took notes from the so-called Supreme Leader.

His media outlet claims that a submarine was built under Kim's 'special attention' and will be operational in the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: He is sending a message.

More News On North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Inspecting A New Submarine

Kim inspects new submarine, wants NKorean military bolstered -- AP
North Korea's Kim inspects new submarine, signals possible ballistic missile development -- Reuters
N. Korean leader inspects new submarine as talks with US stall -- AFP
North Korean Leader Kim Jong-un Inspects New Submarine -- CNBC

Is North Korea Working On A New Submarine Capable Of Firing Nuclear-Armed Missiles?

An underwater test-firing of a submarine ballistic missile shown in an undated photo released by North Korea's Korean Central News Agency on April 24, 2016. KCNA/File Photo via Reuters

Business Insider: North Korea is reportedly working on a new submarine capable of firing nuclear-armed missiles

* Despite North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's recent summit with President Donald Trump, North Korea doesn't appear to have abandoned its nuclear ambitions.
* Recent reports indicate the country is also working on another ballistic-missile submarine.
* Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is scheduled to meet with North Korean officials in Pyongyang on Friday to further discuss denuclearization.

North Korea appears to be working on a new submarine capable of firing nuclear-armed ballistic missiles, according to information gathered by South Korea's military.

Kim Hack-yong, a South Korean lawmaker who until a few weeks ago was head of the legislature's defense committee, told The Wall Street Journal that North Korea appeared to working on the sub at the port of Sinpo on the country's east coast.

An aide to Kim said South Korean intelligence had noticed workers and materials moving at the port, where work on the sub appeared to be taking place at an indoor facility. Kim, whose term as the defense-committee chief recently ended, is a member of the conservative party that has been wary of talks with North Korea.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: If the above reports are true, and North Korea does complete and deploy such a submarine. One can then say with confidence that North Korea has defaulted on the Singapore agreement to denuclearize.

North Korea's Submarines Are Busy

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un watches the test-fire of a strategic submarine underwater ballistic missile in 2015. Photo: Reuters

CNN: US detects 'highly unusual' North Korean submarine activity

Washington (CNN)The US military has detected "highly unusual and unprecedented levels" of North Korean submarine activity and evidence of an "ejection test" in the days following Pyongyang's second intercontinental ballistic missile launch this month, a defense official told CNN on Monday.

An ejection test examines a missile's "cold-launch system," which uses high pressure steam to propel a missile out of the launch canister into the air before its engines ignite. That helps prevent flames and heat from the engine from damaging either the submarine, submersible barge or any nearby equipment used to launch the missile.

Carried out on land at Sinpo Naval Shipyard, Sunday's ejection test is the third time this month -- and fourth this year -- that North Korea has conducted a trial of the missile component that is critical to developing submarine launch capabilities, according to the US defense official.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: These reports of sub activity have been circulating for the past ten days .... Is North Korea Preparing A Missile Test From A Submarine? (July 21, 2017).

More News On Reports of North Korean Submarine Activity

The U.S. Military Has Detected 'Highly Unusual' North Korean Submarine Activity -- Time
‘Highly unusual’ North Korean submarine activity spotted by US military -- South China Morning Post
US detects North Korea committing 'highly unusual' submarine activity: Report -- Washington Examiner
'Unusual' activity in North Korean submarine could signal another missile test -- International Business Times
U.S. Watching Suspicious N.Korean Sub -- Chosun Ilbo

Will China Permit North Korean Submarines To Operate In Their Waters?

Time to keep a closer eye on Kim Jong-un’s submarines. Photo: KCNA via Reuters

Peter Brown, Asia Times: Will China provide sanctuary to North Korean submarines?

North Korea has one of the world's largest fleets of submarines

As Washington, Seoul and Tokyo fret about North Korea’s repeated firing of ballistic missiles into the skies of Northeast Asia, another part of Pyongyang’s arsenal has gone largely unnoticed because it’s under the ocean: Submarines.

Of course, submarines aren’t supposed to be noticed, which is what can make them such an effective stealth weapon.

North Korea does possesses a substantial underwater force, according to Terence Roehrig, professor of national security affairs and director of the Asia-Pacific Studies Group at the US Naval War College.

“By last count, they have 73 submarines which makes it one of the largest submarine fleets in the world,” said Roehrig via email.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: North Korea's subs have limitations that will restrict any offensive action that they may decide to pursue near their coastal waters. But to operate and hide in waters that the Chinese considers theirs .... that will open a door to a lot of complications .... especially if North Korea succeeds in developing and fielding a submarine with ballistic missiles..

Is The North Korean Submarine Fleet A Threat?

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (L) stands on the conning tower of a submarine during his inspection of the Korean People's Army (KPA) Naval Unit 167 © KCNA / Reuters

Kyle Mizokami, National Interest: North Korea's Submarine Fleet: A Big Threat or a Big Joke?

North Korea should by all rights be a naval power. A country sitting on a peninsula, Korea has a long naval tradition, despite being a “shrimp” between the two “whales” of China and Japan. However, the partitioning of Korea into two countries in 1945 and the stated goal of unification —by force if necessary—lent the country to building up a large army, and reserving the navy for interdiction and special operations roles. Now, in the twenty-first century, the country’s navy is set to be the sea arm of a substantial nuclear deterrent.

The Korean People’s Navy (KPN) is believed to have approximately sixty thousand men under arms—less than one-twentieth that of the Korean People’s Army (KPA) ground forces. This, as well as comparable budget makes the KPN’s auxiliary role to the KPA. KPN draftees spend an average of five to ten years, so while Pyongyang’s sailors may not have the latest equipment, they do end up knowing their jobs quite well.

Read more ....

WNU Editor: They are a threat only within North/South Korean waters. Beyond that .... not much (at least from what we know).

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.

Read more ....

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

U.S. Defense Officials: North Korean Sub Is Missing

Source: North Korea State Media

FOX News: North Korea lost a submarine, defense officials say

North Korea has a missing submarine, two defense officials told Fox News Friday.

One official told Fox the submarine is a 70-foot Yono class "midget" submarine that is diesel powered and has a crew of two, with room for a squad of saboteurs. It was unclear who may have been onboard.

North Korea does not operate large ballistic missile submarines, such as the U.S. Navy’s Ohio-class fleet.

Fox News has learned North Korea has not asked the United States to assist in search and rescue efforts.

On Thursday, North Korea responded to new sanctions from South Korea by firing short-range ballistic missiles into the sea in a show of defiance and vowing to "liquidate" all remaining South Korean assets at former cooperative projects in the North.

Read more ....

More News On Reports That A North Korean Sub Is Missing

First on CNN: U.S. says North Korean submarine missing -- CNN
Report: US believes North Korean sub is missing -- Times of Israel/AFP
North Korea Submarine Missing, US Says: Report -- IBTimes
U.S. Official: North Korean Submarine is Missing, Presumed Sunk -- USNI News
North Korean submarine missing, presumed sunk: Reports -- Straits Times
North Korea Is Frantically Searching For One Of Its Submarines: Report -- FOXTrot Alpha

Hat Tip to RussInSoCal for this story.

North Korea Launches Ballistic-Missile Submarine

North Korea Launches Refurbished Soviet-Era Submarine With Missiles Capable Of Hitting Neighbouring South And Beyond -- Daily Mail

* Unpredictable leader Kim Jong-un visited a North Korean air force base
* He checked out equipment on a fighter jet and ‘gave instructions’ to pilots
* South Korean source said North’s pilots have little experience in air battles and are ‘seized with fear’

Belligerent North Korea was reported yesterday to have launched a refurbished Soviet-era submarine, capable of firing ballistic missiles that could easily reach its enemy neighbour, South Korea - and far beyond.

Military and government sources in Seoul were quoted by South Korea’s Yonhap news agency as saying that the development raises further concerns about the North’s evolving missile and nuclear threats.

Read more ....

More News On North Korea Launching A Ballistic-Missile Submarine

N. Korea developing new submarine, sea-based missile capability -- NK News
N. Korea launches ballistic missile submarine: gov't sources -- Yonhap News Agency
North Korea launches ballistic missile submarine: reports -- Japan Times
N Korea Deploys Ballistic Missile Sub: Reports -- RIA Novosti
North Korea launches upgraded Soviet-era ballistic missile submarine - report -- RT
North Korea launches Soviet-era style ballistic missile submarine -- The Telegraph
North Korea Launches Submarine Capable Of Firing Ballistic Missiles: Report -- IBTimes
North Korea develops own ballistic missile-carrying submarine -- Business Standard
N Korea launched ballistic missile submarine -- Asia One
North Korea launches submarine capable of firing ballistic missiles -- Wire Update
North Korea launches new ballistic missile submarine -- Naval-Technology

WNU Editor: it appears that the experts are not worried about this deployment .... North Korean Submarine Threat Overstated, Arms Analysts Say (Bloomberg).

North Korea Develops A New Submarine Class

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (L) 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) in Pyongyang, June 16, 2014.

Report: Image Shows New Submarine in North Korea -- Voice of America

WASHINGTON — North Korea may have acquired a new submarine, according to an American researcher who based his findings on a review of commercial satellite imagery from 2010 until now.

Joseph Bermudez, chief analytics officer of AllSource Analysis, says the imagery revealed “the presence of a previously unidentified submarine moored in the secured boat basin at the Sinpo South Shipyard.”

He made the comment in an article he wrote for the 38North website, which is run by the U.S.-Korea Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.

Read more ....

More News On North Korea Developing A New Submarine Class

The North Korean Navy Acquires a New Submarine -- 38 North
N.Korea 'Building New Submarine' -- Chosun Ilbo
N.K. believed to have acquired new type of submarine: U.S. think tank -- Korea Herald/Yonhap
North Korea has new military submarine: US experts -- One India News
North Korea Gets New Submarine -- RIA Novosti
North Korea may be Developing Submarine, says an American Researcher -- Austrian Tribune

Where Are North Korea's Subs?

Photo: A Romeo class submarine ⓒ www.submarine.id.ru

North’s Submarines Go Off The Radar -- Korea Joong Ang Daily

After Pyongyang threatened to wage “special action” against Seoul, a number of North Korean submarines have disappeared, a South Korean government official told the JoongAng Ilbo.

“Eight or nine submarines of the North’s East Sea Fleet are missing from our radar,” the high-ranking South Korean official said on Monday. “We are figuring out whether the submarines are conducting a military drill or an actual mission.

“The missing submarines vary in size, from the 1,000-ton shark-class vessel to a former Soviet Romeo-class one (1,300 ton),” the official added.

Read more ....

My Comment: Any bets that South Korean and U.S. naval ships in the region are now on high alert?

How Good Is North Korea's Submarine Fleet?

The 1996 North Korean spy submarine, pictured above, is now on display in a museum just north of Jeongdongjin. Photo from Not Dead Yet Blog

Questions Surface Over North Korea's Submarine Fleet After Warship Lost -- The Scotsman

EXPERTS claim North Korea's submarine fleet is technologically backward, prone to sinking or running aground and all but useless outside its own coastal waters.

And yet many are asking: Could it have been responsible for the explosion that sank a South Korean warship in March? And, if so, how could a submarine have slipped through the defences of South Korea, which maintains a fleet far more sophisticated than its northern neighbour's?

Read more ....

My Comment: An eye opening report on North Korea's sub program .... this is a must read.

For more info on the North Korean use of a sub to sneak in commandos in 1996 can be found here.