Sang-O-class Midget Submarine

Sang-O-class Midget Submarine

Type: Ballistic Missile Submarine

Domain: sea

Country of Origin: North Korea

Manufacturer: Korean Peoples Army Munitions Industry

First Deployed: 1991

Overview

The Sang-O ('Shark') class is North Korea's primary special operations midget submarine, designed specifically to infiltrate South Korean coastal areas and deploy special forces. These small submarines displace approximately 300 tonnes and can carry up to 30 special forces troops or deploy divers for sabotage and reconnaissance missions. The Sang-O gained international notoriety when one grounded on a South Korean beach during the 1996 Gangneung infiltration operation, providing rare insight into North Korean special warfare tactics.

Technical Specifications

length~35 m
armamentTorpedoes, mines, diver lock-out capability
complement6 crew + up to 30 special forces
propulsionDiesel-electric
displacement~300 tonnes

Operators

Related sea Weapon Systems