17th April 2017
North Korea's Polaris (Gorae / SINPO Class ballistic missile submarine)
A lot of things have changed since I first discovered the Gorae Class ballistic missile submarine (aka SINPO Class) in Google Earth imagery in October 2014. At the time, North Korea’s submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) program was only a rumor on the peripherals of the defense analysis community. Armed with these rumors the discovery of the submarine was not entirely a surprise, but it was an undeclared type as far as North Korea was concerned. Its existence had been kept a well-guarded secret. Perhaps under the previous ‘dear leader’ the project would have remained obscure, but in the new mood of bravado the type has been thrust into the limelight by the North Korean regime themselves. Along the way there have been plenty of questions about capabilities and some incredulity among observers. But with the latest August 2016 test launch been deemed successful it is now taken very seriously. As I have done all the long. .. Read More >....
All articles
USASOC folding Kayaks
It may come as a surprise that the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) has a requirement for Foldable Kayaks. Pioneered by the British during World War Two and associated with the British way of doing things throughout the Cold War (SBS, SAS), kayaks are rarely at the forefront of Special Forces today. However, in certain missions they remain relevant, and may be the first choice ahead of inflatable boats and RIBs..... Read More >....
SDV Mk9
US Navy SEAL's torpedo armed mini-sub
The SDV Mk.9 is unique among the US Navy SEALs submersibles because it could be armed with two heavyweight torpedoes. The type’s existence is well known within the Special Forces community (and among some observers), but very little specific information has reached the public. Most SEAL related books gloss over the covert world of SDVs. .... Read More >....
Analysis -threat of narco-subs in Middle East
Naval planners are doubtless considering the potential of ‘narco-sub’ technology being used by terrorist organizations in North Africa and the Middle East. The threat of this technology proliferating to terrorist and similar non-governmental forces has been highlighted several times, mainly with reference to smuggling arms and WMDs into mainland US from Central and South America. Narco-subs are already used extensively to smuggle narcotics from Colombia to Mexico on their passage towards US markets but despite the US coast being within range the ‘direct-to-market’ modus operandi has not revealed itself. And the threat of narco-subs being used to smuggle terrorist materials into US is currently unproven.
However, if there is one theater where we should expect to see the proliferation, it is along North Africa’s Mediterranean coast and in the Eastern Mediterranean.... Read More >....
XPOST -nuclear-dimensions-south-china-sea
[XPOST - ForeignBrief.com] To keep pace with the US’ improving anti-submarine capabilities and its ballistic missile defence program, China will seek to better protect its submarines in the South China Sea.
New Chinese Type-094A SSBN
The latest JIN Class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) appears to be a new sub-variant featuring a slightly larger hump-back and blended lines on the sail similar to the related Type-093A SSN.... Read More >....
Project 1910 UNIFORM Class
The Project 1910 Kashalot Class deep-submergence special missions submarine (NATO: UNIFORM Class) was introduced in the 1980s, analogous to the US Navy’s NR-1. ... Read More >....
Hellenic Navy SDVs
(X-Post from Naval Analyses)
CosMoS CE2F were a series of Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) built by M/s Cos.Mo.S Spa. which was in Livorno of Italy. Cosmos is probably the most famous military wet-sub (chariot) / midget sub manufacturer in the world. ... The Hellenic Navy (Πολεμικό Ναυτικό) purchased some SDVs of the CE2F/X60 model (perhaps four) in the late '70s. In service, they were known as ΥΠ.ΟΧ. (Υποβρύχια Οχήματα). The CE2Fs are designed from the outset as a mean for attacking enemy warships in harbor as well as for other special operations..... Read more at Naval Analyses
SeaShadow DPV
The SeaShadow Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) was developed specifically to meet US Navy EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) requirements.... Read More >....
USMC SDV history
Within the US Armed Forces, it is not just the US Navy SEALs who have a history of operating Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs). The US Marine Corps’ brief foray into operating the SDV Mk.7 ended in spectacular fashion on a golf course in Little Creek... Read More >....