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Graphic shows the modified Romeo-class submarine and Pukkuksong-1 missile.
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MILITARY

North Korea’s “new” submarine

By Duncan Mil

July 26, 2019 - North Korea has offered the first glimpse of its “new” diesel-electric ballistic missile submarine, or SSB. Official state media shows premier Kim Jong-un inspecting a modified Soviet-era Romeo-class boat.

State news agency KCNA released several images of a new submarine and reported that its operational deployment was near.

One image shows two shrouded propellers -- standard on Romeo-class submarines -- with one located on each side of the hull, according to underwater warfare expert H.I. Sutton.

Another image shows what looks like a Romeo submarine with an extended topside, almost certainly meant to support a sail containing missile launch tubes.

Sutton believes the new submarine can carry two, possibly three Pukkuksong-1 missiles. First tested in 2016, Pukkuksong (called KN-11 by NATO) is thought to have a range of 1,200 kilometres (745 miles) and is nuclear-capable.

The modifications may have compromised performance, Sutton tells Popular Mechanics. The missile tubes occupy what was an auxiliary second battery compartment. “This may mean that the boat carries fewer batteries meaning that she cannot submerge for as long.”

Two of Kim’s “rocket men” were present during the inspection. Kim Jong Sik, a leading official in the country’s space programme, and Jang Chang Ha, president of the Academy of the National Defence Science, which develops advanced weapons systems.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 26/07/2019; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: KCNA
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