Page 32 - 2018 Defense White Paper

special operations capabilities—it recently created a special operations battalion specializing
26)
in individual assassination and classified the Special Operation Force into a separate branch of
the military to elevate its status.
In wartime, special operations units are likely to infiltrate forward and rear areas through

underground tunnels, submarines, landing craft air cushions, AN-2 aircraft, and helicopters, to
conduct hybrid operations such as striking vital units, facilities, and installations; assassinating
key figures; and disrupting rear areas. Key assets of the North Korean Ground Force are as

shown in [Chart 1-3] below.

[ Chart 1-3 ] Key Assets of the North Korean Ground Force

Tanks Armored Vehicles Cannons MRLs
Approx. 4,300 Approx. 2,500 Approx. 8,600 Approx. 5,500

| Navy | The Navy is composed of 2 f leet commands for the East Sea and the West Sea,
respectively; 13 naval squadrons; and 2 maritime sniper brigades under the Naval Command.
With 60% of its forces positioned south of the Pyongyang–Wonsan line, the North Korean
Navy possesses the capability to carry out a surprise attack anytime. However, its capacity for

deep-sea operations is limited because its forces consist mainly of small, high-speed vessels.
Surface forces are mostly composed of small, high-speed vessels such as guided missile boats,
torpedo boats, small patrol craft, and fire support patrol craft. Their mission is to support the

advancement of the Ground Force in connection with ground operations while also carrying
out coastal defense operations. More recently, the Navy has added new mid- to large-sized
vessels and various types of Very Slender Vessels (VSVs) to enhance its surface strike capability.

Underwater forces consist of some 70 Romeo-class and midget-type submarines. They are
designed to disrupt sea lanes, lay mines, attack surface vessels, and assist special operations units’

26) The special operations battalion’s combat missions were reported by Rodong Sinmun and Korean Central
Television on November 4, 2016.

30 Chapter 1 Changes and Challenges in the Security Environment