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This is a List of active ships of the Korean People's Navy, the naval service of North Korea. Most of the list includes Ships of Korean Origin. Yet, it also contains types that are less frequently used, with their origins from past communist countries of the Soviet Union, and China. In late years, the production of lightly armored, but yet mobile and maneuverable small PT Torpedo Boats increased, as well as Patrol and Landing Craft used in case of National Emergency. Submarines, on the other were costly, hard to manufacture. The Corvettes of the Korean People’s Navy were all outclassed by the 2000s and new ones are still under way.
First vessel in shipyard 2014, Experimental Ballistic Missile Submarine. May also be known as 'Gorae' (Whale class). Some reports suggests as many as 6 boats are being built, although others indicate that this is a single ship class for missile launch development only.[1][2]
Manufactured in two variants, 34m Sang-O and 39m Sang-O II. 40 Sang-O I and 6 Sang-O II in operation. 1 Sang-O I captured by ROK. North Korean Special Operation Force uses specially equipped Sang-O for missions.
KPA Journal reported that these are being phased out in favor of Sang-O/Sang-O II. One has been modified to launch ballistic missiles. [3] Sold as kits from China and was assembled in North Korea.[4] Used by North Korean Special Operation Force for special maritime missions.
Ex-Т-2 Tros (c. 1935) transferred 1953. Probably in reserve due to old age.
Note: Satellite images from 2007 indicate that the empty hull of a Krivak-class frigate was purchased by North Korea around 2003. The ship was likely bought from a Russian scrap dealer, lacking any weapons or radar upon purchase. While it was assumed that North Korea purchased the hull for scrap metal, it remains in its original state for nearly five years, and has been transported from Wonsan to Nampo Harbor. [8][9]
^Joseph s. Bermudez Jr. (19 October 2014). "The North Korean Navy Acquires a New Submarine". 38 North. U.S.-Korea Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. Retrieved 4 November 2014.