D
Naval ForcesNorth Korea

Sang-O Class

Diesel-electric submarineFielded 1991Pending verification

Also known as: SHARK

Naval ForcesPRK
Sang-O Class
Photo: Idobi · CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fact cardConfidence · Source
System
TypeDiesel-electric submarine
Alternative designationsSHARK
Date of introduction1991
ProliferationOrigin country only
Units built40 Sang-O Class Submarines in Total operating within North KoreaMed[1]
Crew19Med[1]
Dimensions and weight
Length35.5 m116 ftMed[1]
Beam3.8 m12 ftMed[1]
Draft3.2 mMed[1]
Displacement (surface)295 tonsMed[1]
Displacement (submerged)325 tMed[1]
Propulsion and performance
Propulsion1 x diesel electric generator setMed[1]
Engine power300 bhp estMed[1]
Range5,000 km3,107 mi · 2,700 nmiMed[1]
Armament
Torpedo version4 x bow 533-mm torpedo tubes, no reloadsMed[1]
Minelaying version16 x mines in external racksMed[1]
Armament53-65KE TorpedoesMed[1]
Fire control
Radar1 x Furuno navigationMed[1]
Sonar1 x passive array onlyMed[1]
Variants
NoteThere is no list of the names of each Sang-O Class Submarine. In Total there are 40 Sang-O Class Submarines operating in North Korea.[1]
Weapons and payload options · 1Confidence · Source
53-65KE TorpedoesType 53 torpedo
Med[1]
Range
18 km11 mi · 10 nmi
Type
Type 53 torpedo
Guidance
Wake homing
Warhead
307.6 kilograms (678 lb) high explosive
Speed
83 km/h
Length
7.2 m
Summary

The Sang-o-class coastal submarine is smaller than Romeo- and Whiskey-class subs, but larger than a midget submarine. It is apparently intended for use in coastal defense missions, minelaying and special forces insertion.

Draft entry. Values come from the cited public sources and are awaiting editor verification.
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Operators
North Korea
Sources
  1. Sang-O Class North Korean Diesel-Electric Submarine, U.S. Army TRADOC G-2 Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN)
    Published/updated 2026-03-20 · Tier 1 · checked 2026-10-10
Change log
  • 2026-10-10 Entry created from the Worldwide Equipment Guide (ODIN), bulk import
  • 2026-10-10 Added photo (CC BY-SA 3.0)