Yono class submarine
Encyclopedia
The Yono class submarine is a class of North Korea
n miniature submarines, produced for domestic use as well as for export. Also referred to as Yeono class vessels, these submarines displace 130 tons, significantly less than North Korea's larger 1,800-ton Romeo class
submarines. As of May 2010, North Korea is reported to operate 10 of these submarines.
A Yono class submarine is thought to have fired the torpedo attack which sank a South Korean Pohang-class corvette
, the ROKS Cheonan
on March 26, 2010 in South Korean waters. According to some investigators, the weapon used in the attack was a North Korean-manufactured CHT-02D torpedo, from which substantial parts were recovered. The device allegedly exploded not by contact, but by proximity, creating a powerful pillar of water, called bubble jet effect. High ranking North Korean military officials denounced the international investigation and said the North does not have the type of submarines that supposedly carried out the attack. They also dismissed claims regarding writings on the torpedo and clarified that "when we put serial numbers on weapons, we engrave them with machines." South Korea’s Yonhap News quoted South Korean officials as saying the North has about 10 of the Yeono class submarines.
, the first of a number of planned midget submarines of the Yono class. Observers have disagreed on the exact classification of the Iranian derivative: Iran claims the vessel is a fully independent design, but it has been compared to the North Korean Yugo
boats, Yono subs, and/or Sang-O Class coastal submarines.
Yono Class Torpedo Remnants
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea , , is a country in East Asia, occupying the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital and largest city is Pyongyang. The Korean Demilitarized Zone serves as the buffer zone between North Korea and South Korea...
n miniature submarines, produced for domestic use as well as for export. Also referred to as Yeono class vessels, these submarines displace 130 tons, significantly less than North Korea's larger 1,800-ton Romeo class
Romeo class submarine
The Romeo class is a class of Soviet diesel-electric submarine, built in 1950s. The origin of the Romeo class can be traced to the World War II German Type XXI Elektroboot U-boat. At the end of World War II, the Soviets obtained several Type XXIs, from which they were able to obtain certain key...
submarines. As of May 2010, North Korea is reported to operate 10 of these submarines.
Combat involvement
- See main article: ROKS Cheonan SinkingROKS Cheonan sinkingThe ROKS Cheonan sinking occurred on 26 March 2010, when the Cheonan, a South Korean Navy ship carrying 104 personnel, sank off the country's west coast near Baengnyeong Island in the Yellow Sea, killing 46 seamen...
A Yono class submarine is thought to have fired the torpedo attack which sank a South Korean Pohang-class corvette
Pohang class corvette
The Pohang class corvette is a class of general purpose vessels operated by the Republic of Korea Navy. They have served in a coastal defense role during the late Cold War and post Cold War period....
, the ROKS Cheonan
ROKS Cheonan (PCC-772)
ROKS Cheonan was a South Korean Pohang-class corvette of the Republic of Korea Navy , commissioned in 1989. On 26 March 2010, it broke in two and sank near the sea border with North Korea...
on March 26, 2010 in South Korean waters. According to some investigators, the weapon used in the attack was a North Korean-manufactured CHT-02D torpedo, from which substantial parts were recovered. The device allegedly exploded not by contact, but by proximity, creating a powerful pillar of water, called bubble jet effect. High ranking North Korean military officials denounced the international investigation and said the North does not have the type of submarines that supposedly carried out the attack. They also dismissed claims regarding writings on the torpedo and clarified that "when we put serial numbers on weapons, we engrave them with machines." South Korea’s Yonhap News quoted South Korean officials as saying the North has about 10 of the Yeono class submarines.
Export and foreign production
The US Congressional Research Service suggests that Iran has purchased several midget submarines from North Korea. The purchase may have involved Yono class and Yugo class mini-subs. Beginning in 2006, Iran launched the first of several domestically-produced mini-subs. In 2007 the Iranian navy unveiled its Qadir (Ghadir) class submarineGhadir class submarine
Ghadir is a class of midget submarines built by Iran specifically for cruising within the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf. It is named after Ghadir Khumm, a holy place to Shia Muslims....
, the first of a number of planned midget submarines of the Yono class. Observers have disagreed on the exact classification of the Iranian derivative: Iran claims the vessel is a fully independent design, but it has been compared to the North Korean Yugo
Yugo class submarine
The Yugo class submarine is a class of four midget submarines used primarily for infiltration and espionage by North Korea. The class is so named because it was built to plans supplied to North Korea by Yugoslavia in 1965. This class is actually a family of midget submarines for that not all are...
boats, Yono subs, and/or Sang-O Class coastal submarines.
Related images
Mini Sub Photograph
Yono Class Torpedo Remnants
