Page 33 - 2018 Defense White Paper

infiltration. The North Korean Navy is building up its forces by constructing a Gorae(Sinpo)-
Chapter 1
class submarine, capable of launching Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs).
Landing forces consists of 250 crafts, including air-cushioned hovercraft and high-speed
landing craft, which are mostly small craft. They will likely help special operations units to

infiltrate the ROK’s rear areas, strike major military and strategic facilities and installations, and
secure important landing shores. Key vessels of the North Korean Navy are as shown in [Chart
1-4] below.

[ Chart 1-4 ] Key Assets of the North Korean Navy

Mine Warfare Vessels
Surface Combatants Amphibious Vessels Auxiliary Vessels Submarines
Approx. 430 Approx. 250 (Mine Sweepers) Approx. 40 Approx. 70
Approx. 20

| Air Force | The North Korean Air Force consists of five f light divisions, one tactical

transport brigade, two air force sniper brigades and air defense units under the Air and Anti-Air
Force Command. 27)
The North Korean Air Force, with around 1,640 aircraft, has positioned its forces in four
different zones. Close to 40% of fighter jets, around 810 in total are forward-positioned south of

the Pyongyang–Wonsan line with a posture capable of delivering quick strikes with minimum
preparations. The Air Force also has the capability to carry out large-scale special operation
through infiltration using AN-2 aircraft and helicopters. The Air Force has also been producing

and deploying UAVs for reconnaissance and strike as well as light-weight aircraft.
The North Korean air defense system, built around the Air and Anti-Air Force Command,
integrates aircraft, surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft artilleries, and radar air defense units.

SA-2 28) and SA-5 29) surface-to-air missiles are deployed in forward areas in eastern and

27) The Air Force Command has been renamed the Air and Anti-Air Force Command in May 2012.
28) A guided missile system for striking mid- to high-altitude targets, with a maximum range of 56km
29) A guided missile system for striking high-altitude targets, with a maximum range of 250km and that was
developed to complement the SA-2

Section 3 North Korean Situation and Military Threats 31