Future of the Peruvian Navy

Between Pacific Ocean and the Amazon...

Cartography:
Of the entire Peruvian land aera, 0,4 % were of water (5,220 km², rivers/Lakes).
Coastline: 2,414 km, EEZ of +/- 815,915 km2

Personnal Strenght: +/- 25 000 (Included 1000 Coast-Guards).

1 Cruiser (a ageing white elephant, even a white dinosaur...)
1 Almirante Grau
(Almirante Grau). 9000/12000 tons, 187 meters (Ex Dutch AAW cruiser built by mid/late 1940’s). Transferred by 1973, modernized by 1985/1988, current status dubious but in any case to be retired soon from service without replacement into the Peruvian fleet.

8 Frigates
4 Carvajal
(Carvajal, Villavisencio, Montero, Mariategui). 2800 tons, 113 meters (Italian Lupo 1970’s FFG design). Commissioned by 1979/1987, with probable +/- 30 year of service expected, to be retired during 2010’s decade.

4 Aguirre
(Aguirre, Palacios, Bolognesi, Quinones). 2800 tons, 113 meters (Italian Lupo 1970’s FFG design). Transferred by 2004/2006, likely to remain in service until late 2010's/early 2020's.

6 Submarines
4 Angamos
(Angamos, Antofagasta, Pisagua, Chipana). 1300 tons, 56 meters (German Type 209/1200 SSK design). Commissioned by 1980/1983, modernisation currently under study, maybe to remain in service until late 2010's.

2 Islay
(Islay, Arica). 1200 tons, 54 meters (German Type 209/1100 design). Commissioned by 1974/1975, locally upgraded by 2008/2009, to remain in service until late 2010's.

6 Fast Missile Attack Crafts
6 Velarde
(Velarde, Santillana, De los heros, Herrera, Larrea, Sanchez carrion). 560 tons, 64 meters (French PR-72-500 FAC design). Commissioned by 1980/1981, likely to be retired during 2010’s.

4 Medium Amphibious Ships
4 Terrebonne Parish
(Paita, Pisco, Callao, Eten). 2500/6000 tons, 117+ meters (Ex US County's LST of 1950’s). Transferred by 1984/1985.

Small Amphibious Crafts
Uncertain data ?

Tankers/Replenishments Ships
1 Sealift (Fleet Tanker)
(Lobitos). 33 000 tons, 178+ meters (Ex 1970’s US ship). Transferred by 1995.

1 Talara (Fleet Tanker)
(Talara). 30 000 tons, 171 meters. Commissioned by 1978.

1 Supe (Coastal Fuel Tanker)
(Supe). 1400 tons, 66+ meters, built by 1965, acquired by 1995.

2 Noguera (Coastal Tanker)
(Noguera, Gauden). 440 tons, 53 meters (Ex 1940’s US Coastal tanker). Transferred by 1975/1981.

Survey Ships
1 Carrasco (Survey Ship)
(Carrasco). 370 tons, 46+ meters (Ex 1950’s Dutch minesweeper). Transferred by 1994.

2 Van Straelen (Inshore Survey Crafts)
(Carrilo, Melo). 150 tons, 33 meters (Ex late 1950’s Ducth inshore minesweepers). Transferred by 1985.

1 Macha (Coastal Survey Craft)
(Macha); 49 tons, 19+ meters. Commissioned by 1989.

2 Ocean Tugs
1 Unanue
(Unanue). 830+ tons, 43+ meters (Ex 1940’s US Ocean Tug). Transferred by 1961.

1 Guardian Rios
(Guardian Rios). 1200+ tons, 62+ meters (Ex 1940’s US Ocean Tug). Transferred by 1960.

Various auxiliary
1 Humboldt (oceanographic research ship)
(Humboldt). 1200+ tons, 76+ meters. Commissioned by 1980.

1 Ilo (cargo ship)
(Mollendo). 18 000+ tons, 153 meters. Commissioned by 1971.

1 AEH 173
AEH 173. 12 tons, 10 meters, built by 1981.

2 ABP 342
(ABP 342-343). 210 tons, 60 meters, built by 1974.

1 ABP 344
(ABP 344). 150 tons, 42 meters, built by ?

1 ABP 345
270 tons, 48 meters, built by 1974.

1 ABP 346
320 tons, 45 meters.

Few self-propelled supply lighter, Floatting dry dock & others harbors stuffs...

Riverine Flotilla's
1 floating riverine base
(ABF 401), 45 meters, US built.

2 Loreto (Rivers Gunboats)
(Loreto, Amazonas). 250 tons, 46+ meters. Commissioned by 1934 !!!

2 Maranon (Rivers Gunboats)
(Maranon, Ucayali). 350 tons, 47 meters. Commissioned by 1951.

2 Clavero (Rivers Gunboats)
(Clavero, Putumayo). Newer River gunboat. Status of Clavero uncertain (heavily damaged by a fire in 2010 ?).

1 Stiglich (Rivers Survey Crafts)
(Stiglich). 230 tons, 31 meters. Commissioned by 1981

4 Rio Comaina (Rivers lighters)
(Rio Comaina, Rio Huazaga, Rio Chinganaza, Rio Cenepa). 165+ tons, 30 meters. Commissioned by 1975/1976.

1 Morona (Hospital Rivers Crafts)
(Morona). 150 tons, 30 meters, built by 1976

1 Puno (Hospital Lake Crafts)

(Puno). 500 tons, 38 meters, built by 1879 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!, status uncertain...

Peruvian Coast Guards
+/- 30 Inshore Patrol Vessels
2 Cougar 42
(Rio Supe, Rio Vitor). 2+ tons, 12+ meters, built by 1992/1993.

3 Cougar 25
(Mancora, Huara, Quilca). 1+ tons, 6+ meters, built by 1992/1993.

1 Pucusana
(Pucusana). 3+ tons, 9+ meters.

8 Cougar 22
(La Cruz, Cabo Blanco, Colan, Samanco, Besique, Salinas, Ancon, Paracas). 1+ tons, 6+ meters, built by 1992/1993.

3 La Punta
(Rio Punta, Rio Viru, Rio Lurin). 43 tons, 18+ meters, built by 1981/1982.

4 Rio Santiago River
(Rio Huallaga, Rio Santiago, Rio Putumayo, Rio Nanay). 4+ tons, 10 meters, built by ?

4 Rio Napo
(Rio Napo, Rio Yavari, Rio Matador, Rio Pachitea). 1,8 tons, 6+ meters, built by ?

4 Rio Itaya
(Rio Itaya, Rio Patayacu, Rio Zapote, Rio Chambira). 1 tons, 5+ meters, built by ?

1 Rio Tambopata
Rio Tambopata. 1+ tons, 8+ meters.

Maybe few others IPV's ?, uncertain data ?

Naval Aviation (+/- 800)
Aicrafts
- 4 Beechcraft Super Air King B200T.
- 1 Fokker F27 (used by Coast Guard).
- 2 Fokker 60 5 T-34C Turbo Mentor (acquired by 1978).
- 2 Fokker 60 (acquired by 2010).
- 2 An-32B Cline (acquired by 1994).
- 1 DHC-6 (used by Coast Guard).

Helicopters
- 6 Enstorm F-28 (acquired by 2008).
- 3 Bell 206 Jet Ranger II (acquired by 1982, maybe 2 others unserviceable ?).
- 5 Bell 212 (acquired by 1976, maybe only 3 serviceable ?).
- 3 SH-3D Sea King (acquired by 1978/1984).
- 2 SH-3/UH-3 ? (acquired by 2010/2011).
- 2 Mi-8 Hip (acquired by 1992, 2 others unserviceable).

Peruvian Marines +/- 4000 troops
Armored Transport Vehicles: 20 BMR-600, 15 V-200 Chaimite, few V-100 Commando.
Artillery (towed): some D-30 (122mm).
Mortars: some 81mm, 18 120mm.
Recoiless Guns: some 84mm Carl-Gustav, some 106mm M-40A1.
AA Guns: some twin 20mm mounts.
Manpads: Unkown ?

The Peruvian Navy will face by the end of these decade a big problem of obscolescence. Much of its ships are ageing (and often second-hand ships). The purchase of new vessels (Frigates, Submarines, FAC, Auxiliary Ships...) will therefore soon be urgent. If the Chilean & Colombian Navies remain +/- a significant threat, others "softs" threats can paradoxically be as important for the Peruvian fleet (Smugglers, Pollution, ect ..).

Next fleet review/editorial: Future of the Colombian Navy

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially for the auxiliary and smaller ships), then SAID IT ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !

Future of the Venezuelan Navy

Between protection of oil reserves & obsession with the "Yankee threat"...

Cartography:
Coastlines: 2800 km; EEZ aera of 470,666 km2.

Personnal Strenght +/- 18 000
+/- 14 000 sailors and 4000 conscript.

6 Frigates
6 Lupo/Mariscal Sucre
(Mariscal Sucre, Almirante Brion, General Urdaneta, General Soublette, General Salom, Almirante Garcia). 2200+ tons, 112+ meters. Commissioned by 1980/1982, with probable +/- 30 year of service expected, to be retired by late 2010’s/early 2020’s and replaced by ??? (likely Italian or Spanish or Russian FFG design).

Up to 4 Ocean Patrol Vessels
4 POVZEE
(Caribe, Warao, Yecuana, Karina). 2400 tons, 99 meters (Spanish OPV design “patrullero oceanic de vigilancia”). Commissioned by 2010/2012, likely to remain in service until early 2040's.

+/- 6 Mid Shore Patrol Vessels (to be soon replaced)
6 Constitucion
(Constitution, Federacion, Independancia, Libertad, Patria, Victoria). 170 tons, 36+ meters. Maybe only 2 or 3 unirs really serviceable ?. Commissioned by 1973/1974, likely to be retired during 2010's and replaced by some newer/larger patrol vessels (Spanish built's).

Up to 9 ? Submarines (toward the "capital-ship" of the Venezuela navy...usefull....face to the US Navy…)
6 to 9 newer submarine ?
Likely expected to be of russian design (Improved Kilo). Wait & See

2 Caribe ?
(Caribe, Sabalo). 1300 tons, 59 meters (German Type 209/1300 SSK design), commissioned by 1976/1977. Now ageing units, likely to be replaced during 2010’s by more newer SSK’s.

+/- 4 Large/Medium Amphibious
4 Capana (LST)
(Capana, Esequibo, Goajira, Los Llanos). 1800/4000 tons, 104+ meters (Korean LST design). Commissioned by 1983/1984.

Uncertain/Unreliable data about small landing crafts (LCVP/LCM) ?

+/- 5 Auxiliary ships
1 Ciudad Bolívar (supply ship)
(Ciudad Bolívar), 9700 tons, 137 meters (Korean built), commissioned by 2001.

2 General Miranda (fleet tugs)
(General Francisco de Miranda, Manuel Ezequiel Bruzual). 700 tons, 60 meters, commissioned by 2005/2006.

1 Punta Brava (hydrographic survey ship)
(Punta Brava). 1100 tons, 61+ meters, commissioned by 1991.

Bricbarc type/Simón Bolívar (training)
(Simón Bolívar), Spanish built, commissioned by 1980.

Inshore Patrol Boats (uncertain data ?)
7 UFPB-1/1000
(Polaris, Sirius, Rigel, Aldebaran, Antares, Canopus, Altair). 5 tons, 10 meters, built by 1987.

Many 24-foot RIB crafts.

Few 7,3 meters RIB.

5+ 22-foot Guardian crafts
1+ tons, 6+ meters, built since 1997.

2 Guaicaipuro
(Guaicaipuro, Tamanaco). Built by 1973.

4 Terepaima
(El Amparo, Terrepaima, Yaracuy, Sorocaima). 5 tons, 10+ meters, built by 1987.

Likely others small Crafts, uncertain data ?

Venezuela Riverine Squadron (mainly Inshore/Riverine Patrol-Vessels/Riverine-Gunboats)
5+ Caribe/Frontera
(5 meters).

8+ Manapiare
Built since 1996.

9 22-foot Piranha
(LCF-101 to 109). 1+ tons, 6+ meters, built by 1994/1997.

5+ Caroni
5 meters, built since 1991.

2 Manaure
(Manaure, Mara). 15 tons, 16+ meters, built by 1973.

Venezuela Coast Guards +/- 1000
4 BVL (Off-Shore Patrol Vessels)
(Guaicamacuto, Yavire, Naiguata, Tamanaco). 76+ meters, 1500 tons (Spanish OPV design “buque de vigilancia litoral”). Commissioned by 2009/2011.

10 54-foot SAR crafts
(Rio serie’s) 30 tons,16+ meters, commissioned by 1998-2000.

5 22-foot Guardian
(V series) 1+ tons, 6+ meters, commissioned by 1998.

8 35-foot
(V-983501 to V-983508). 10+ meters, commissioned by 1998/2000.

25 30-foot
(V-983001 to V-983025). 9+ meters, commissioned by 1998/2000.

25 26-foot
(V-982601 to V-982625). 8 meters, built by 1998/2000.

20 Precursor
4+ meters built by 1996+

12 Protector
(Rio serie’s). 15 tons, 13 meters, built by 1984.

10 21-foot Cobia
1 tons, 6 meters.

Venezuela Marines 7000+ troops
Armored Vehicles: up to 38 EE-11 Urutu.
Amphibious armored vehicles: 11 AAVT-7 (acquired by 1973).
Artillery Guns (towed): 18 to 50 105mm M-56.
Mortars: 35 120mm MO-120 Brandt.
SAM: some Bofors RBS-70 manpad.
Various vehicles: Land-Rover Defender, Ford M151 MUTT, Chevrolet M-705, EE-25…
Some small Crafts: Guardian 22” and Guardian 25” (US built), few others crafts.

Venezuela Coastal Battery
Uncertain data ?...

Naval Aviation +/- 900
Aircrafts:
- 3 Casa 212-200 (Maritime-Patrol).
- 1 Beech 200; 5 Casa 212; 2 Cessna 310Q; 2 Cessna402; 1 Rockwell 980C (Transport).
- 1 Cessna 210 Centurion (Utility).

Helico:
- 8 Bell 212; 4 Bell 412EP (Utility).
- 1 Bell 206b (Training).
- Likely few "russian builts" helico incoming ?

Since the rise of Hugo Chavez, the Venezuelan navy radically changed vision. The purchase of 8 patrol-vessels (Spanish built's) demonstrates the willingness of Venezuela to protect their oil reserves (the threat of drug-cartels or Colombia Navy is not "fundamentally deep"). The future purchase of 6 to 9 ? future SSK's (and maybe additional coastal missile battery) showed that Chavez wants to try to counter the threat of the American fleet. Time will tell how the situation evolves between the two countries...WAIT & SEE...

Next fleet review/editorial: Future of the Peruvian Navy

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially for the auxiliary and smaller ships), then SAID IT ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !

Future of the South-African Navy

A full modernisation and toward some more VERSATILE warships...

Cartography
Coastlines: +/- 2,798 kilometers (1,739 mi), a EEZ of 1 535 538 km2.

Personnal Strenght
5500+ (+ 2000 civilian and 800 reserve).

4 Frigates
4 Valour
(Amatola, Isandlwana, Spioenkop, Mendi). 3700 tons, 121 meters (German Meko A-200 SAN design). Commissioned by 2006/2007, with probable +/- 30 year of service expected, to be retired around mid 2030’s.

3 Submarines (maybe too ambitious...)
3 Heroine
(Manthatisi, Charlotte Maxeke, Queen Modjadji-I). 1400+ tons, 62 meters (German Type 209/1400 SSK design). Commissioned by 2005/2008.

2 Fast Attack Missiles Crafts (toward 0)
2 FAC
(Galeshewe, Makhanda). 400+ tons, 58 meters (Israeli Sa’ar design). Commissioned by 1983/1986. With probable +/- 30 year of life, to be retired by 2015/2020 and replaced by 3 newer OPV.

Up to 3 OPV (EEZ usefull)
Up to 3 newer OPV (Project Biro ?)

Replacement for remaining FAC crafts. Estimated to be around 80/85 meters, capable of carrying a helicopter (although it is unknown if it will be able to house one as well) and AUV. Likely armed with a 76mm gun & MG's, but no missiles are planned ?. To be built during 2010's

Up to 9 ? Mid Shore Patrol Vessels/Mine-Hunters
6 to 9 newer MPV ? (Project Biro ?)
Likely expected to replace the T-Crafts and ageing MCM crafts. Estimated to be 53/55 meters, maybe armed with a 30mm gun & MG's, but apparently no missiles planned on board ? Able to use "Mapantsula" UUV program system. These ships will be built in South-Africa. To run in conjunction with Project Hotel.

+/- 27 Inshore Patrol Vessels (toward fewer & bigger crafts...)
3 T class

(Tobie, Tern, Tekwane). 23/36 tons, 22 meters. Commissioned by 1992/1996 or 2003 ? and expected to be replaced during 2010's by larger crafts (Project Biro).

Up to 15 newer IPV (project Xena ?)
A new class of 15 10.3m patrol boats planned, to replace the ageing "Namacurra" IPV.

+/- 24 Namacurra
(numbered between Y-1502/1530), 4/5 tons, 9+ meters. Built by 1980/1981, to be replaced during 2010's by fewer & larger crafts.

+/- 8 Mineweespers
4 City
(Kapa, Thekwini, Tshwane, Mangaung). (Ex German Type 351 coastal mineweesper built by 1958/1959). Transferred by 2001, status uncertain ?

4 Rivers
(Umzimkulu, Umhloti, Umgeni, Umkomaas). 380 tons, 48 meters (German design). Commissioned by 1981, with probable 30+ year of life expected, to be replaced during 2010's ?

All these 8 coastal MCM ships will be replaced by multi-roles Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels during 2010's...

Up to 3 ? Large Amphibious Ships (only 1 or 2 ship more likely...)
Uo to 3 newer LPD/LPH (Project Millennium ?)
One to three multi-mission "strategic support ship", to be used for sealift, command and control, medical evacuation and humanitarian assistance and search and rescue. 200m LPD/LPH vessels contemplated. Likely acquisition cost based on a similar French design. Estimated €340 million per ship.

6 Medium/Small Amphibious Crafts
6 Lima (LCP)
(L-29/34). 4+ tons, 9+ meters. Commissioned by 2003.

1 Fleet Tanker
1 Drakensberg
(Drakensberg). 6000/12000 tons, 147 meters. Commissioned by 1987, likely to remain in service until early 2020’s and replaced by 1 or 2 ? newer "Combat Support Vessel".

1 Hydrographic Ship (toward a full renewal)
Up to 1 newer ship (project "Hotel")
To replace the ageing “Protea” (and was expected to have a secondary OPV role...). This newer ship was expected to be similar to the project Biro OPV ship.

1 Hecla
(Protea). 1900 tons, 79+ meters, built by 1972. Ageing ship, to be replaced during 2010’s by 1 Hydrographic/Survey ship (under the Project Hotel)

Up to 6 Tugs
De Noorde Umalusi
(Umalusi). 315/490 tons, 30 meters. Built by 1995, transferred by 1997.

De Mist
(De Mist). 275 tons, 34+ meters. Commissioned by 1978.

De Neys
(De Neys), 180 tons, 28 meters. Commissioned by 1969, uncertain status ?

3 Coastal Tugs
(DL-2, 4, 5). DL-2 built by 1940, DL-4 built by 1973 and DL-5 built during 1960’s. Uncertain data ?

Naval Aviation
Helicopters
- 4 Super Lynx 300 Mk 64 (ASW).
- Up to 8 SA 330E Oryx (Transport). Maybe only 1 serviceable ?

Aircrafts
- Up to 5 DC-3 AMI (uncertain status ?)

The South African Navy is the most powerful of the “southern three-quarters” of the continent. Large purchases in the early 2000's (4 frigates/3 submarines, purchase pushed by corrupt politicians of the time) seems to be very too ambitious for the navy (lack of skilled personnel, inability to find enough sailors for 3 SSK's...). The main threats to the South African Navy is obviously not the VERY small “Namibian” or “Mozambiqueses” navies ....... but pirates, smuggling and many internal problems of South-Africa (corruption, ethnic-violence, poverty.. .).

Next fleet review/editorial: Future of the Venezuela Navy

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially for the auxiliary and smaller ships), then SAID IT ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !

Future of the North-Korea Navy

Up to 50 miles off shore, no more…

Due to the “shadows” surrounding the North Korean fleet, this review can only be “approximative”...

Cartography:
Coastlines: 2495 km; 3579 islands lie adjacent to the Korean Peninsula, mostly along the south and west coasts, and a EEZ aera of 132,826 km2.

Personnal Strenght
+/- 46 000 (+ 65 000 reserve)

Up to 1 ? Frigate
One hull of Russian Krivak frigate acquired by 2003 (officially purchased for “scrapping steel" use), but it remains in its original state for +/- 5 years (and moved from Wonsan to Nampo). Because the hull still remains intact, North Korea is believed to have plans for reinstalling weapons systems (including provisions for helicopters, naval guns and as a testbed for North Korea's newly developed Anti-Ship Missile)......wait & see

+/- 3 Corvettes
2 Najin
(N° 531, 591). 1500 tons, 102 meters (derived from the Russian Kola frigates of early 1950’s). Even fully obsolete by the early part of their careers !. Commissioned around 1973/1975, now fully ++ obsolete ship.

1 Soho
(n° 823 Soho). 1600 tons, 73+ meters twin hulled frigate design. Commissioned around 1983 ?.

Up to ? 32 ? Fast Missiles Attack Crafts
12 Osa-I
175+ tons, 37+ meters, transferred by 1968-1973 ?, now likely unreliable/unserviceable ?

8 Soju/Osa-I
180+ tons, 38+ meters (North-Korean version of the Russian OSA-I FAC). Commissioned by 1981-1995.

4 Huang-Feng
38+ meters (Chinese version of the Russian OSA-I FAC). Acquired by 1982.

6 Komar
60+ tons, 25+ meters (Russian late 1950's MTB/FAC desifn, initially 10 Russian built transferred, few others built locally). Likely all received during 1960's/early 1970's. Now fully obsolete and likely unreliable/unserviceable...

6 So-Hung
Indigenous Komar design (steel-hull version). 8 initially commissioned around 1980-1981, apparently 2 retired from service (lack of spare or accidentaly lost ?)

From 158 to 218 ? Fast Torpedo Attack Crafts (a outdated concept)
3 Shershen (Project 206)
(843, 844, 845, a four craft ?). 220+ tons, 39+ meters (Ex Russian “Shershen MTB transferred by 1968, a four by 1971), Uncertain status.

1 Sinmam
A 150 tons “Chong Ju” patrol boat armed with torpedo-tubes.

82 to 142 ? Sing Hung
25 tons, 18+ meters (North-Korean built, improved from the Russian P4 design). Commissioned by mid 1950’s/early 1970’s. Now fully obsolete, ageing and vulnerable/fragile crafts

0 to 12 ? P4
22+ tons, 22 meters (Russian MTB design of mid 1940's). Transferred by 1952/1953, 15 built locally “Iwon class” ??? Probably not in service since many years and maybe already scrapped ?

+/- 60 Ku Song
Derived from the Chinese hydropters of type "6625" and "026". Uncertain data.

+/- 12 P6
(Q71, Q152……). 60+ tons, 25+ meters (Russian P-6 MTB design of late 1950’s). More than 45 Russian built transferred during 1960’s. 20 others locally built during 1960’s/1970’s, sometime called as a “Sinpo” class. Fully obsolete and in dubious state.

+/- 27-30 Oceanic Submarines (more probably 6 to 8…)
Up to 1 ? Golf
Some rumors, uncertain data ?

0 to 4 ? Whiskey
1200+ tons, 76 meters (Russian Whiskey SSK design of late 1940’s). 4 transferred during 1960’s, 4 others transferred by 1974 (maybe for spare-parts use ?). Now fully obsolete units, all Whiskey very likely not operational, likely used as a battery hulk or already scrapped ?

4 to 7 ? Romeo (Type 033 ES3B ?)
Chinese built Romeo"s SSK, transferred by 1973/1975. Some were not operational and used as a battery hulk, maybe up to 4 "Chinese built Romeo" serviceable ?

6 to 22 ??? Romeo (Type 031)
1400/1800 tons, 77 meters. 19 to 22 locally assembled (Chinese supplied parts) by mid 1970’s/late 1980’s. Most are likely not operational, used as a battery hulk or progressively cannibalized as a spare part for the few remaining “in service” Romeo, some others already scrapped. Only 6 to 8 North-Korean Romeo were still +/- operational ships

Few dozens of Coastal/Midgets- Submarines (a radically much more serious threat)
Up to 32 San-O
370 tons, 34 meters (largest home-built sub design, based on the Yugoslavian Heroj design). Maybe built through 1980’s-1990’s.

Up to 23 Yono-II (MS-29)
110/130 tons. Some mislabeled as a Yugo SSK’s class.

1 Yono-II mod
115 tons, Prototype SSK for the Yono-II.

10 Yono-I (P-44)
90 tons, 20 meters.

+ Some 5,7 meters (3 tons) "manned torpedoes", for special ops ?

+/- 24 Coastal-Mineweespers
19 Yukto-I
60 tons, 24 meters (locally designed/built wooden coastal mineweespers). Built in the 1980’s

4 or 5 Yukto-II
+/- 60 tons, 21 meters (locally designed/built wooden coastal mineweespers). Built in the 1980’s

+ a large stock of home-built naval mines (mainly north-Korean copies of Russian/Chineses Mines)

15 to 25 ? Medium Amphibious crafts
8 to 10 Hantae (LCU)
200 tons, 48 meters LCU design. First four built during 1980’s, others by 1990’s/2000’s.

7 (to 15 ?) Hanchon (LCU)
130/145 tons, 35+ meters LCU design. First seven built by late 1980’s/mid 1990’s, others follows

Small Amphibious Crafts
+/- 96 Nampo (armed LCP)
82 tons, 27+ meters (In fact P-6 craft with forward ramp & MG). Built during mid 1970’s/mid 1990’s.

10 to 15 ? Hungnam (LCM/LCP)
Uncertain data ?

1 KongBang-I/Songjong I (Assault Overcraft/LCPA)
25 meters. Likely prototype craft.

57 KongBang-II/Songjong II (Assault Overcraft/LCPA)
21 meters. Built during 1980’s.

78 KongBang-III/Songjong III (Assault Overcraft/LCPA)
18 meters. Fast Small Attack Crafts (

+/- 24 Off Shore Patrol Boats (300/700 tons)
4 or 5 Sariwan
(611, 612, 613, 614, 671). 650 tons, 61 meters (derived from russian 1930’s Tral mineweesper design). Commissioned during mid 1960’s. Mainly used as a patrol Boats/Minelayer, fully obsolete.

1 or 2 Tral
(N° 671…) 440 tons, with a forward Tank Turret. Transferred by 1955.

6 Hainan
(N° 201, 202, 203, 204, 292, 293). 375/400 tons, 58+ meters (Chinese Hainan PB’s design). Transferred in three pairs in 1975, 1976, 1978 respectively.

7 Taechong-I
385 tons, 59 meters (Home-Built version of the Chinese Hainan Patrol Boat).

5 Taechong-II/Mayang
(N° 571, 572, 573, 574, 575). 390 tons. Slightly different model from the Taechong-I.

In-Shore & Mid Shore Patrol Boats
11 Shanghai-II/Type 062
(N° 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 391, 392, 393, 394). 130+ tons, 38+ meters (Chinese patrol craft design). Transferred by 1967/mid 1970’s (One was sunk by South-Korean Navy in November 2009). Maybe 8 Shangai-I transferred ?

8 SO-1
190 tons. Russian Built. Likely all retired from service ?

11 SO-1
(N° 681, 682…), 195 tons. Home-Built (copy from Russian SO-1 design). Some were armed with a 85mm tank turrets.

1 Type 801 ?
Uncertain Data ?

6 Chong-Ju
150 tons. (Rokets armed)

+/- 59 Chaho
(N° 505, 506, 507, 508, 509, 551, 552, 553, 554, 555, 556, 557…2060…). 60 tons (based on the P-6 MTB design). Built by 1974/late 1980’s.

54 Chong-Jin
60 tons (derived from the Chaho craft, but with a 85mm Tank Turret).

Few TB-40A
(Mainly used on the Yalu river).

Few IPS-18
30 tons, stealthy crafts, armed with rockets.

Some Taedong A & B (Semi-Submersibles Torpedo Crafts)
30 tons, armed with light torpedoes.

Some IPS-16/Ketnap/Peykaap
14 tons, armed with light torpedoes.

Few Taedong D (Semi-Submersibles Torpedo Crafts)
10+ tons.

Few Taedong C/Gahjae (Semi-Submersibles Torpedo Crafts)
7 tons.

Some SP-10/Cluster Osprey
5 tons

Up to 7 Auxiliary Ships
1 Kowan (Submarine Rescue Ship)
(Kowan). 84 meters, catamaran hull.

1 Donghae 101 (Hydrographic Survey Ships)
(1 Donghae 101), 260 tons

1 Donghae 102 (Hydrographic Survey Ships)
(1 Donghae 102), 1100 tons

1 Sohai 201 (Hydrographic Survey Ships)
(Sohai 201 ), 260 tons

1 Sohai 202 (Hydrographic Survey Ships)
(Sohai 202 ), 300 tons

2 Oceanic Tug
Uncertain data ?

Various sources (some serious, others less...) speak of:
- Few dozens of civil Trawlers used as a intelligence or mothers ships (very likely).
- Maybe the capability to use 1 or 2 cargos ships as a "missile Carrier" in event of a war with South-Korea/USA/Japan (?).

Coastal Artillery:
- Towed/Mobile Guns: Some 122mm guns (M-1931/37); some 152mm guns (M-1937).
- Fixed mounts: Some 130mm guns (M-1992; SM-4-1).

Coastal Missiles Battery:
CSSC-2B Samlet, CSSC-2 Silkworm, CSSC-3 Seersucker ?

Naval Aviation:
unreliable data ?
- Some aircrafts from the North-Korean Air Force can mahe anti-ships/maritime patrols missions (in any case, many aircrafts were already obsolete...).
- Some helico from the North-Korean Air Force can make Survey/SAR missions (but any effective ASW ops).

In case of (major) war with the allies (South-Korea/USA/Japan).The North Korean navy will survive only few weeks before reaching a total extermination. Only midget submarines, mines, coastal batteries and a few dozen of "speedboats" can give some "sweats" to U.S./South Korean Navies .... and that up to 50 miles offshore, but no more ....at long term, the reunification of the two korea’s will be inevitable (peacefully or by force).

Next fleet review/editorial: Future of the South-African Navy

As usual, It may be that in my opinion, I forgot programs ? (or made few mistakes ?, especially for the auxiliary and smaller ships), then SAID IT ! Feel free to comment and give your opinion !