Primer: North Korea's New Nuclear Submarine
New images, published on December 25, show North Korea’s new nuclear submarine is largely complete, at least on the outside.
A much larger boat than previous indigenous designs, it bears some stylist similarities to South Korea’s KSS-III class, yet retains some of the peculiarities of the country’s unique submarine heritage…
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Timeline of Ukraine Invasion: War In The Black Sea
Regularly UPDATED
Reflecting on the Russo-Ukraine War, I am putting together a timeline of the most relevant events in the Black Sea. This should provide a useful overview…
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Chinese Navy (PLAN) Has Modified Two Type-022 FAC For Special Purpose
Over the past few months two Type-022 missile boats have been converted to a new configuration. The vessels have had their distinctive missile bins removed and replaced by a larger box-like structure.
The role of these vessels, and whether more will be converted, remains to be seen…
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Guide To Russian Shahed / Geran Strike Drones
One of the best-known weapons in the invasion of Ukraine, the Iranian Shahed-136, known in Russian service as the Geran-II, is a long range strike drone.
Launched in large numbers, it is shaping both the war and the public narrative…
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China’s Firefox Of The Seas: New Trimaran Semi-Sub
The vessel is clearly designed for submerged or semi-submerged operations yet is equally clearly intended to principally sail on the surface….
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Guide To Ukrainian Interceptor Drones
Ukraine is deploying a growing arsenal of purpose-built interceptor drones designed to counter enemy reconnaissance and strike drones.
This guide outlines the principal types and emerging trends in this fast-moving domain…
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Indonesia Gets Ahead Of Western Navies In Weaponising Underwater Drones
Indonesia has a patchy record of naval acquisitions, but there are signs that this is changing.
Indonesia has done something which puts it ahead of Western navies in the weaponisation of emerging technologies…
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Collins Class Submarine
Six Collins Class boats provide Australia with a world class conventional submarine force.
They are interesting in several ways…
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Unreported North Korean Submersible Torpedo Boat May Be Uncrewed
Hiding in the background of an official media image of the annual Defence Development exhibition in Pyongyang, North Korea, which opened on October 4, 2025, is a previously unreported vessel.
Visual clues point to it being a submersible boat…
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Russia Finally Launches The Poseidon Armed Submarine Khabarovsk
Updated
After a painfully long wait, the Russian submarine Khabarovsk has finally emerged from its construction shed in Severodvinsk.
The Pr. 09851 class boat is the second Poseidon carrying submarine in the Russian Navy, following the Pr. 09852 Belgorod…
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Chinese Navy (PLAN) Submarine Seen Configured To Carry Minisub
The most advanced submarine in PLAN (Peoples Liberation Army Navy) service when she entered service in 1999, the first of class Type-039 Song class submarine 320 is now nearing the end of her useful life.
The submarine has been observed fitted with mountings…
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Chinese Navy (PLAN) Extra-Large & Extra-Extra-Large Underwater Vehicles
China’s development of extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs) is now unmatched globally, and accelerating rapidly. No other nation is pursuing undersea autonomy at comparable scale, scope, or speed.
Four factors set China’s program apart from all others…
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New Variant OF Neptune Cruise Missile Breaks Cover
Since the sinking of the Russian cruiser Moskva on April 13 2022, Ukraine’s Neptune missile has become a household name. Its role has also evolved, from that of a pure anti-ship missile, to more of a long range cruise missile.
The latest RK-360L Neptune-D variant features enlarged fuel tanks ahead of the main wing…
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Overview Of Ukrainian Maritime Drones (USVs) Of The Russo-Ukrainian War
USVs (uncrewed surface vessels) have been under development for navies for some years, but the war in the Black Sea has redefined them.
Ukraine in particular has exploited emerging communications technologies to create effective USVs…
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Toloka TLK-1000 XLUUV unveiled in Ukraine
Ukrainian UUV manufacturer Toloka has unveiled the TLK-1000 XLUUV at the Brave1 Defense Tech Valley 2025 exhibition in Lviv. As expected, the long anticipated craft is much larger than the TLK-150 model previously shown…
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Taiwan's Black Whale XLUUV
Taiwan is rapidly trying to create asymmetrical ways to counter the invasion threat. Principly these include uncrewed systems, many inspired by Ukraine’s defence against Russia.
Taiwanese shipbuilder Longteh Shipbuilding has revealed the ‘Black Whale’ XLUUV…
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OSINT: New Underwater Structures At Chinese USV/AUV Test Site
Just south of Dalian there is a pier which has become closely associated with China’s uncrewed vessel developments
Now there appears to be new seabed structures being deployed at the site…
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Dance Of The Flamingos: Ukraine’s FP-5 Heavy Cruise Missile
UPDATED
The FP-5 Flamingo marks a significant increase in the range and payload of Ukraine’s deep strike capability…
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China Is About To Go Public On Its Massive XLUUV Programme
China is preparing to reveal at least two of its extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs), basically drone submarines, at a military parade on September 3.
One of the designs is labeled the AJX-002, and the other has an as-yet unknown designation…
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Taiwan's Surface Drone Threat Emerging - Kuaiqi USV
Facing an ever increasing threat from the mainland, Taiwan (Republic of China, ROC) is racing to develop a similar uncrewed capabilities to Ukraine. Most visible of these in the naval sphere are weaponised uncrewed surface vessels (USVs).
One of the most promising homegrown designs is the Kuaiqi…
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U.S. Navy's Semi-Submerged Torpedo Boat, 1943
During World War Two the U.S. Navy was not known for its unconventional thinking. While the Italians and British quickly embraced novel means of sneak attacks, America focused on overwhelming conventional forces.
Yet that doesn’t mean that everyone within the U.S. military thought that way…
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OSINT: Previously Unreported Low-Observable Naval Transport
A previously unreported Chinese transport vessel, with low-observable characteristics, has been observed in historic satellite imagery of Sanya on Hainan, in the South China Sea
Civilian multihull ferries are common in the port but these vessel appears to be a military transport, possibly optionally crewed…
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Philippines Design Indigenous Weaponised Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV)
Facing increased aggression from China, the Philippines appears to have been looking to Ukraine for inspiration.
Mindanao State University displayed a model of the Palid USV at the Philippine Navy’s Self Reliance Defense Posture (SRDP) summit in Manila last week…
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Overview Of Russian Maritime Drones (USVs) Of The Russo-Ukrainian War
Russia has been slower to adopt uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), but has been using them in the Black Sea…
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South China Sea Monster: New Chinese Ekranoplan (WIG)
China continues to be able to develop new military systems in almost complete secrecy. Images shared on Chinese social media, almost certainly sanctioned ‘leaks’, reveal a new ‘Ekranoplan’ being tested.
The aircraft remains a mystery, so here are some further observations…
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Guide To Ukraine's Long Range Attack Drones
UPDATED Originally posted Jan 24.
Russia’s use of long range drones, principally the Iranian Shahed type, against Ukraine is well documented. Ukraine too is increasingly using this category of drone.
This article will focus on the Ukrainian OWA-UAVs which can strike deep into Russia…
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Overview Of Maritime Drones (USVs) Of The Russo-Ukrainian War, 2022-24
UPDATED USVs (uncrewed surface vessels) have been under development for navies for some years, but the war in the Black Sea has redefined them.
Ukraine in particular has exploited emerging communications technologies to create effective USVs…
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2 Rare Disguised Narco Submarines Discovered On Trans-Atlantic Route
Brasilian Navy and Federal Police seized a low-profile ‘narco submarine’ used to transport cocaine to Europe on May 31 2025. The nearly-complete vessel was disguised as a local fishing vessel with a fake deckhouse.
It’s not the first example of a disguised narco-sub in recent months…Read More >….
Revealed: A Key Shipyard In Chain'a Naval Revolution
A small boatyard, backing onto a narrow urban canal, may be playing an outsized role in China’s naval modernisation. The unassuming site is in Wuxi, west of Shanghai, and around 90 miles inland.
Analysis indicates that it is building cutting edge uncrewed vessels…
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Covert Shores Updating To HTTPS
This site will be updated to HTTPS standard. This is long over-due, and may take some days/weeks to reconfigure, please bear with me…
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Ukraine's Sea Baby Maritime Drone (USV)
The public first learnt of the now-famous ‘Sea Baby’ surface drones when they were used on July 17 2023 to destroy a section of the Kerch Bridge.
These small vessels have since shown themselves to be a versitile and enduring design…
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Chinese Invasion Barges Seen In Wild
I broke the invasion barge story in January. At the time, only satellite imagery was available, at least publicly.
Now a short video has emerged showing the barges being exercised on a Chinese beach. The resulting images confirm the earlier analysis; these are invasion barges…
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First Trans-Atlantic Narco Submarine Found In Africa
A narco submarine has washed up on Black Johnson beach of Sierra Leone, on the west coast of Africa.
As well as being the country’s first discovery, it is significant in other ways…
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Russia Reveals 'Katran' Trimaran USV
Russia’s Center for Unmanned Systems and Technologies, a tech accelerator, have revealed a new trimaran aluminum surface drone (USV). The USV has been labelled ‘Katran’, the Russian name for the Spiny Dogfish, a small species of shark….
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North Korea Reveals Nuclear Submarine, And It Is Ginormous
North Korea revealed its first nuclear submarine, with reports of Kim Jung Un’s visit to the shipyard appearing in North Korean state media and reported in Western media.
It is clear that the submarine is much larger than earlier North Korean types…
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Ukraine's Toloka TLK-150 Underwater Drone
The Russian Navy is doing badly in the Russo-Ukraine War, losing control of the Black Sea. Ukraine’s maritime surface drones (USVs - uncrewed surface vessels) have denied them sea control, and pushed them back to the eastern coast of the Black Sea.
Among the development Ukrainian engineers have up their sleeves, are underwater versions of drones. The Toloka TLK-150 is a publicly displayed version…
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The Soviet's Elaborate Saturation Diver Submarine In The Black Sea
The Soviet Navy Project 1840 LIMA Class submarine, was a unique special purpose boat operational in the Black Sea from 1979 until 1994. Her retro lines, reminiscent of a 1950s submarine, belied an unusual internal arrangement.
Instead of a torpedo room, her forward hull contained an elaborate set of pressurized chambers for divers to live, cut off from the crew…
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Another Trans-Atlantic Narco Submarine Found In Europe
Another narco-submarine has been found in an isolated cove on the Galician coast in northern Spain. The vessel was discovered off Muxía, a headland on the north-west tip of the country.
This is significant for several reasons…
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Russian USV Engineers Weaponize A Kayak
Russian engineers have been testing an uncrewed surface vessel (USV) based on a kayak hull.
The small vessel appears to have a StarLink communications system or other very similar antenna…
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First Daylight Look At Ukrainian Navy Maritime Drone With FPVs
Russia frequently launches tens of Shahed type drones into Ukraine, but rarely more than a handful get through. Most get shot down thanks to Ukraine’s innovative and effective air defenses against these low-end threats. The attrition is baked into the raids, but when the Ukrainians reply in kind, they want more of their drones to get through.
Ukraine has developed a low-cost decoy drone for this purpose…
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Guide To Iran's Navy & IRGC's Drone Carriers, Forward Base Ships, and Covert Intelligence Ships
The Iranian Navy and IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) both employ a growing number of large ships as drone carriers, forward operating bases and covert intelligence platforms. These vessels use merchant ship hulls but with new decks and an array of armaments…
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New Ukrainian Navy USV Sees Action In Black Sea
The Ukrainian navy (VMS ZSU) shared a video of a new surface drone (USV- uncrewed surface vessel) being used in the Black Sea. The USV is shown targeting Russian occupied gas platforms. These platforms have been repeatedly fought over and used by both sides.
The USV is a new type not previously seen in public…
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Iran's New Drone Carrier Starts Sea Trials
The Iranian IRGC’s (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) latest ambitious naval project, the drone carrier Shahid Bagheri (C-110-4), has sailed. The vessel appears to be on sea trials and may now be anchored outside Bandar Abbas harbor…
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China Builds World's Largest Uncrewed Warship
Update: originally posted Nov 10 2024
The JARI-USV-A, possibly called ‘Orca’ or ‘Killer Tiger’, is a new uncrewed surface vessel developed in China.
The design features a futuristic trimaran hull with a vertical launch system (VLS) for missiles and a helipad for UAVs at the stern…
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Great Disaster: Houthi's Underwater Drone Not Reverse Engineered U.S. Navy REMUS
Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi Movement, which controls parts of the west of the country, has shown a propaganda video of its latest maritime weapons. One weapon shown is a one-way-attack autonomous underwater vehicle (OWA-AUV).
There has been speculation that it is in fact a reverse engineered REMUS 600. This does not appear to be the case…
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Deceptively Simple: Ukraine's Decoy Drone
Russia frequently launches tens of Shahed type drones into Ukraine, but rarely more than a handful get through. Most get shot down thanks to Ukraine’s innovative and effective air defenses against these low-end threats. The attrition is baked into the raids, but when the Ukrainians reply in kind, they want more of their drones to get through.
Ukraine has developed a low-cost decoy drone for this purpose…
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OSINT: Myanmar's New Dry Dock Built By China Flooded
Chinese engineers have reached a major milestone in the expansion and modernization of the Myanmar military Junta’s navy. The large dry dock being constructed by the Chinese on the banks of the Yangon River.
The docks were flooded some time between the 3rd and 8th October…
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Clearer Images Of Cuba's Latest Home-Built Torpedo Boat
Cuba’s beleaguered navy, the Las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Cuba (FAR), continues to field locally produced vessels. The latest type of note, first observed in 2021, is a torpedo boat.
Recent photos provide new details of this unique boat…
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Guide To Ukraine's Longer Ranged Missiles
Although missiles are normally outside my swim lane, I feel that this topic is a natural complement to the visual guides I prepared for maritime drones (OWA-USVs) and aerial drones (OWA-UAVs…
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M23 Submarine
Updated. Originally posted May 28 2021
Italian company M23 S.R.L. is building two submarines for the Qatari Emiri Navy (QEN). Although it has been alluded to in announcements relating to the larger Italian naval deal with Qatar, details have only slowly come out.
In 2024 the first submarine was observed undergoing sea trials in La Spezia, Italy.
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New Ukrainian Weaponized Jet Ski Used In Crimea Raid
Updated. Originally posted Aug 17 2024
Ukraine continues to surprise observers, with yet another variation of uncrewed surface vessel (USV) revealed by the latest round of raids on Russian-occupied Crimea.
The USV is evidently a modified yet ski…
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Chinese Companies Now Selling Export USVs Suitable For Weaponization
It is no secret that many of the small drones used on the battlefield in the Russo-Ukraine War are built in China. They are sold online and used by both sides.
Now that Ukraine has created the market for attack maritime drones (OWA-USVs) Chinese firms are being quick to jump in to the market. Alibaba and other online markets are becoming awash with small USVs suitable for weaponization…
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Ukraine's New Palyanitsa Cruise Missile
The blurring of lines between uncrewed air vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles continues. Ukraine has revealed its latest new strategic weapon, the Palyanitsa (Паляниця).This is much more of a cruise missile than a drone.
The name was possibly chosen because it is often difficult for native Russian speakers to pronounce. ..
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2 New Russian USVs at ARMY-2024
UPDATED Originally posted Aug 8 2024
USVs (uncrewed surface vessels) have been under development for navies for some years, but the war in the Black Sea has redefined them.
Russia has displayed at least two ‘new’ uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) at the ARMY-2024 defense expo. Actually, one is new, the other is a rebranding of a type seen earlier this year…
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New Improved Yuan Class Submarine In China, May Have VLS
A new type of submarine has been observed at the Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan, China. The vessel was spotted by Defense analyst Tom Shugart.
Initial analysis suggests that it is noticibly longer than the existing Type-039A/B/C Yuan Class, and also features an X-form rudder…
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Ukrainian Weaponized Yamaha Jet Ski USV Found On Turkish Beach
A weaponized Yamaha Waverunner FX jet ski has been found on Turkish beach near Istanbul.
Two small black cylinders, mounted either side of the forward body, appear to be explosive charges…
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Possible Chinese Sail Drone Found In Taiwanese Waters
At around noon local time on July 19 2024 a sail powered surface drone (uncrewed surface vessel: USV) was found by Taiwanese fishermen in the waters off Mudou Island. The islands are around 30 nautical miles (60km) west of Taiwan in the Taiwan Strait.
Media has reported it as a U.S. Navy Saildrone, but it does not match this type, or other Western designs…
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Iran's 'Zulfikar' Submersible Torpedo Boat
Iran’s submersible torpedo boats represent a serious threat to shipping in the confined waters of the Persian Gulf and, potentially, Red Sea.
They are better suited to supply to the Houthi Movement in Yemen than midget submarines…
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Houthi's Blowfish: Guide To Explosive USV Threat In Red Sea
Recent attacks with USVs, such as the sinking of MV Tutor, have brought their threat to the fore.
This guide will describe the observed types of Houthi USV…
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Massive Increase In Transatlantic Narco Submarines
Narco-submarines are transporting tons of cocaine across the Atlantic from South America to Europe. There have been indications of this going back ten years, but evidence was rare.
Now four more incidents, over a few months, hints at the scale and persistence of this unseen and under-discussed phenomenon…
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Houthi's Blowfish: Disguised Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) Sunk MV Tutor
On June 12 2024 the merchant ship MV Tutor, was hit by a Houthi uncrewed surface vessel (USV) 66 nautical miles southwest of Al Hudaydah, Yemen.
The ship has since sunk, causing an oil slick…
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Russia Shows New Naval Drones At FLOT 2024 Show
Russian manufacturers have shown off a range of uncrewed naval platforms at the Flot 2024 show in St. Petersburg.
The shadow of the war in the Black Sea is not far away….
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Ukraine's New USV, The Stalker 5.0
The Stalker 5.0 USV was revealed at the international Black Sea Security Forum 2024 in Odesa.
Unit price is stated as 60k USD, making it cheaper than some other designs…
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Uncrewed Narco Kayak Found by Italy
An Uncrewed ‘narco submarine’, based on a fiberglass kayak has been discovered by Italian police.
The Torino Carabinieri reported that the vessel had been tested on a lake….
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China Reveals Another New Armed XLUUV: UUV-300
Chinese defence exports company Poly Technology has revealed the UUV-300 family of extra-large uncrewwed underwater vehicles (XLUUVs).
Like submarines and missile boats before, armed UUVs are the next major asymmetrical must-have for smaller navies. This makes this design particularly relevant to the conversation on how naval warfare is changing…
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Ukrainian Magura USV armed With R-73/AA-11 ARCHER FrankenSAM
UPDATED
Footage has emerged, taken from the Russian side, of a Ukrainian uncrewed surface vessel (USV) armed with an improvised air-defense system. This is the first time anything like this has been observed.
The system uses repurposed air-air missiles in an arrangement often termed a ‘FrankenSAM’…
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World Guide To Large Underwater Drones
The world of underwater drones (AUVs - autonomous underwater vehicles) is changing rapidly. Within the past 2-3 years more and more navies are seriously developing extra-large vehicles (XLUUVs).
This article will focus on the most relevant current projects around the world…
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New YouTube Videos
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OSINT: Identification Of Type-039 Song & Yuan Class Submarines
The Type-039A/B Yuan Class submarine is the most numerous, modern and capable Chinese non-nuclear submarine. It is displacing the older Ming and Song classes, and imported KILO class. Since it was first identified in May 2021, the latest Type-039C submarine has moved into the mainstream.
This analysis, using satellite imagery publicly available on Google Earth, shows that it is possible to positively identify the ‘C’ model…
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Maximizing Bang For Bucks: Ukraine’s New Low-Cost Strike Drones
How do you turn a length of plastic plumbing pipe, some wood, plastic wrapping and some water bottles into a strategic weapon? Ukraine’s growing array of long-range attack drones are evolving to be much cheaper to build.
This may allow much larger and more frequent strikes…
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Iranian Fateh Class Submarine Proposed With AIP
Iran has displayed a version of their first indigenous full-size submarine, the Fateh Class, with AIP (Air Independent Power). The Iranians plan to install the AIP on the first Fateh.
If it is deemed successful, it could be installed on subsequent boats…
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Russian Navy's Deceptive Camouflage In Black Sea Not Effective Against Infrared
The dramatic footage of the attack on the Russian warship Sergei Kotov on March 4 has a useful OSINT (open source intelligence) angle.
The suggestion that the deceptive camouflage, black paint on the bow and stern, is for infrared stealth now seems much less likely…
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Myanmar's Mystery Submarine
The Myanmar Navy has acquired two patrol submarines in recent years. Firstly an KILO Class submarine from India, and then a MING Class submarine from China. But there is another third boat…
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Russia's New 'Afalina' Maritime Drone Is RC 'Bat Boat' Toy
Russian media has revealed the ‘Afalina’ uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to rival the Ukrainian Sea Baby and Magura types. The Russian version, actually a sub-scale prototype, is shown being put through its paces on a calm lake.
The prototype actually bears a striking resemblance to a remote control model of one of Ocke Mannerfelt’s famous ‘bat boat’…
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Photos Of First Trans-Pacific Narco Submarine Caught Heading To Australia
A “narco-submarine”, was interdicted by Colombian Forces on February 14 2024. It was carrying some 4 tonnes of cocaine.
Subsequent reports from the court proceedings suggest that it was destined for Australia….
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First Sighting Of British Banshee Jet-Powered Drone In Ukraine
At least one British-made Banshee target drone has been reported crashed behind Russian lines. The Banshee Jet 80 is a high-performance twin jet drone.
In Ukrainian service it is likely being used as a one-way attack drone (OWA-UAV) to strike high value targets deep behind the front line…
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Notes On Emerging Iranian / Houthi Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV) Threat
CENTCOM has announced that it has “successfully conducted five self-defense strikes against … one unmanned underwater vessel (UUV)”
The most likely candidate for the Houthi supply at this point is a torpedo-like drone which has featured in several propaganda videos…
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North Korea's New Missile Submarine: Hero Kim Gun-ok
North Korea is known for its large fleet of outdated submarines. The backbone of its patrol submarine force are approximately 15-20 ROMEO class boats. They have poor stealth, weak sensors and limited endurance. Yet when competently commanded they still represent a serious threat to shipping.
What is more, North Korea has begun re building them into more more dangerous submarines…
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Ukraine's Sleek New Jet-Powered Attack Drone Seen For First Time
A new type of Ukrainian long range drone has appeared in Russia. A crashed example of the jet powered drone was shared on Russian social media. It is evidently a type of one-way attack drone (OWA-UAV).
The drone is interesting in several ways…
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Mystery Vessel Seen In San Diego Likely U.S. Navy 'Narco Sub' Transport
A mysterious vessel observed in San Diego harbor appears to be a prototype low-profile transport drone (USV - uncrewed surface vessel). The design is strongly reminiscent of many so-called “narco submarines”.
Like so much in this field, most of it is hidden below the surface…
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First Image Of Iranian / Houthi Anti-Ship Ballistic Missile (ASBM) In Action
The Greek-owned bulk carrier Zografia was hit in the Red Sea on January 16 2024. It was sailing from Vietnam to Israel at the time.
A video has emerged of the moments the missile struck. It is possible to say from this that it was an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) fired from the direction of Yemen…
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Drone Warfare's New Angle: Iran's Shaheds Become Low-Cost Anti-Ship Missiles
Iran’s IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) are known for their outlandish claims and propaganda equipment parades. Despite the hype much of their equipment and tactics should be taken seriously. Especially in hybrid warfare scenarios which are currently playing out in the Red Sea and Indian Ocean.
A new emerging threat is attack drones which can hit moving ships…
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Drones Over Ukraine: Test Your Identification Skills
How well can you tell you the Ukrainian and Russian drones (UAVs) apart? This quiz will present you with various types. All are in use in the war…
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Iran's IRGC Shows Off New Warship
Iran showcased another batch of new boats for the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp). The exact number of new vessels in these parades needs to be taken with a pinch of salt.
This time a new missile boat stole the show…
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World Survey Of Underwater Attack Drones (OWA-AUVs)
A new trend in naval warfare are one-way-attack autonomous underwater vehicles (OWA-AUVs). These weaponized underwater vehicles combine the range and autonomy of AUVs with a warhead similar to a torpedo.
It is an area where the major powers, and the West in general, is lagging…
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Russia's BOSS Submarine Concept For Border Guards
Imagine a future where submarines prowl on the surface, launching aerial drones (UAVs) and engaging targets with gunfire and anti-tank missiles. It seems the antithesis of modern submarine operations.
The BOSS (Border and Offshore Submersible Sentry) submarine is a concept…
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Ukraine's SBU Reveals Rocket-Armed Sea Baby USV
Ukraine’s SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) has revealed has shown evidence of ‘Sea Baby’ USVs (uncrewed surface vessels) shooting rockets or missiles.
These weapons could serve several purposes…
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Unusual Narco-Submarine Interdicted Off Colombia
The Colombian military interdicted a distinctive LPV (low profile vessel) in the Pacific on December 24.
The vessel was carrying 1,678 kilos of cocaine with an estimated value of $56,000,000…
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Ukraine's SBU Reveals Mamai Maritime Drone (USV)
Ukraine’s SBU (Security Service of Ukraine) has revealed another type of maritime drone. The Mamai type is combat proven. It was used in the attacks on the Ropucha Class landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak and the tanker Sig.
Both attacks, far away from Ukrainian controlled territory, inflicted significant damage….
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Maritime Drones (USVs) Of The Russo-Ukrainian War, 2022-23
USVs (uncrewed surface vessels) have been under development for navies for some years, but the war in the Black Sea has redefined them.
Ukraine in particular has exploited emerging communications technologies to create effective USVs…
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New Images Of U.S. Navy's Next Attack Submarine, SSNX
As is becoming customary, a video by an American submarine builder gives us the latest glimpse of future submarine projects. A video published by Electric Boat shows two graphics of the U.S. Navy’s next generation SSNX boat…
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Italian Midget Submarine under Construction In Romania For Undisclosed Customer
The Italians have a reputation for building small submarines. One is under construction in Romania. In Italian arms sales tradition of mystery and speculation, we know of the project but we do not know of the customer….
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Italian Firm Drass Reveals 'Ronda' XLUUV
Italian midget submarine builder Drass has shown some images of their XLUUV (extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle) design. It appears to be designed for intelligence gathering and minelaying…
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New Russian USV to counter Ukraine's
Russian media is reporting that the country’s first Ukrainian-style USV ( (uncrewed surface vessel) will soon be deployed to the Black Sea. The BBKN Dandelion is a small USV developed by KMZ in St. Petersburg.
The latest image suggests a very different design to the RK-700 Vizir USVs previously marketed by the company…
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Previously Unreported Italian Special Forces BIR-87 SDV Seen For First Time
Italy’s elite naval special forces, COMSUBIN (aka Incursori / GOI), is extremely secretive. And their swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs) and submarines are among their best kept secrets.
Only now, after it has been retired, has the BIR-87 been displayed to the public…
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Hamas Al-Asef Armed Underwater Vehicle
A fresh image shared by Israeli sources shows, for the first time, the insides of Hamas’ garage-built underwater vehicle. The Al-Asef has been used on several occasions against Israeli targets but has yet to score a major success.
The new image still leaves some questions unanswered…
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Overview Of Venezuelan Navy, 2023
Venezuela has held a referendum on whether to annex (read: invade) half of neighboring Guyana.
Venezuela’s Navy has undergone significant change in recent years. Yet it is less well documented than many…
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Free Willy: Russian Navy Trained Dolphins Hit By Storm
A massive storm battered Crimea on the November 27. Preliminary analysis of the damage done to Russian defenses reveals that the dolphin pens in Sevastopol harbor are gone as a result.
It is plausible that some or all of the trained dolphins have been freed…
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China's Massive Yulin Naval Base In South China Sea Getting Even Bigger
Treat with Caution: Unverified Rumors
China’s main naval base in the South China Sea continues to grow. Additional quays will almost double the size of the Sanya side of Yulin naval base. A new quay has been built on the western shore of Yulin Harbor, outside the historic inner harbor.
This may indicate that the base will play an increasing role in the basing of uncrewed platforms…
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New IRGC Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle: Nazir-5
UPDATED. Originally posted May 8th 2023
An image of an IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) naval vessels in Bandar Abbas in May 2023 revealed a new weapon. The uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) is displayed beside other known types…
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OSINT: Chinese Type-003 Aircraft Carrier Moved, May Indicate Sea Trials
China’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, the Type-003 Fujian, has been moved away from the quayside today. The ship has been being fitted out in a basin at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai since June last year.
It may be a leading indicator of the commencement of sea trials…
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Colombian Navy Interdicts Narco Submarine
The Colombian Coast Guard intercepted a low profile vessel (LPV) type narco submarine on November 12. The vessel was sailing Colombian South Pacific carrying 1,885 kg of cocaine hydrochloride.
The narcotics were marked with a motive of the character ‘Guadaña’ from the TV show called “El cartel de los sapos”…
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OSINT: Hamas Diving Gear Identification
The rebreather type diving gear seen in images released by Hamas appear to match the Italian SANOSUB rebreather. Rebreathers are often preferred by military divers because they do not produce bubbles like typical civilian ‘open circuit’ scuba gear.
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Russian Aircraft Suspected Of Laying Mines Off Odesa, Ukraine
Ukrainian mediareported that Russian aircraft dropped four explosive devices in the shipping lane to/from Odesa on October 25.
The objects are likely mines intended to effect a blockade on the port…
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OSINT: Russia's Last KILO Class Submarine Leaves Mediterranean
The Russian Navy deployments in the Mediterranean can be seen as part of the outer guard for the invasion of Ukraine. They deter NATO involvement, particularly from aircraft carriers in the sea.
Now the last submarine based there appears to be leaving. ..
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Taiwan's Hai Kun Class Submarine
Taiwan held the launch ceremony for their first indigenous submarine on September 28 2023. The Hai Kun was built at CSBC Corp.’s shipyard in Kaohsiung on the country’s west coast in an impressively short period of time. Keel laying to launch was less than 2 years.
The submarine is also an interesting design…
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Candid Photo Of India's New Midget Submarine Under Construction
The new midget submarine being built by MDL (Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited) is visible in a photo of a VIP visit to the yard. The image was shared on social media by MDL…
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Further Analysis Of North Korea's New Missile Submarines
A major question is whether ‘Hero Kim Gun-ok’ is the same submarine which was showing in 2019 when Kim Jong Un visited Sinpo. That boat, known in the West as Sinpo-C, was undergoing conversion to carry missiles. The temptation is to say that it is probably the same submarine. However, a comparison if the available imagery identifies significant and numerous differences…
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North Korea's New Missile Submarine: Hero Kim Gun-ok
UPDATED
North Korea launched a modified ROMEO class submarine of September 6 2023. The submarine is distinctive with 10 missiles housed in an extended sail. The missiles are two different types, with four larger and 6 smaller launch tubes.
It is likely that these contain both ballistic missiles and cruise missiles…
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Cellula's Solus-XR XLUUV Hits The Water
The first images of Cellula’s new autonomous underwater vehicle in the water have surfaced. The Canadian company’s Solus-XR is a long-range extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle (XLUUV)…
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Taiwan Building Midget Submarine: Huilong Project
In parallel to the full-sized Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS), Taiwan is building a much smaller submarine
Some reports suggest that the Huilong submarine (慧龍水下載具) will be uncrewed, but it will likely be crewed…
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Possible Fatal Accident Aboard Chinese Navy Nuclear Submarine
Treat with Caution: Unverified Rumors
Since August 22 there have been persistent rumors that a Chinese Navy (PLAN) nuclear submarine experienced a serious accident. They were first widely circulated on certain Chinese language social media. It has since been reported in Taiwanese media and there has been much wild speculation. However the rumor hasn’t gone away, notably in Chinese sources.
It is worth recording them for reference. Where there is smoke, sometimes there is fire…
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Ukraine's Marichka Underwater Drone (AUV)
The Marichka (МАРІЧКА) is a new large autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by AMMO Ukraine. Among the many large AUV projects around the world, it is probably the first born directly from wartime needs…
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Iran's Previously Unreported Submarine-Launched Stand-Off Sea Mine
The president of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi, has visited an ‘exhibition of achievements’ of the Ministry of Defense. Among the interesting items on display was a previously unreported stand-off bottom mine.
The weapon would prove a useful addition to Iran’s fleet….
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KILO Class Submarine
The KILO Class was the last major Soviet diesel-electric submarine of the Cold War era. Today it remains the most prolific class of submarine. Much of its success has been after the collapse of the USSR, with it becoming the main Russian non-nuclear submarine class and also widely exported.
During the Cold War the then-new submarine gained a reputation for stealth…
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Sea Baby: The Ukrainian Navy's 'Bridge Killer' Maritime Drone
The July 17 attack on the Kerch Bridge is one of the more successful, and noteworthy, maritime drone attacks. Now, via an exclusive with CNN, the Ukrainian government has revealed more details about the drones used…
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Israel's Newest Submarine, INS Drakon, Size Estimate
Since it was rolled out of the shed last week, Israel’s latest submarine, INS Drakon, has been challenging analysts to make sense of it. The submarine features an unusually large sail.
Less obvious, is that the hull is also much larger than the preceding Dolphin-II boats…
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Ukrainian Special Forces Poloz-M16 Canoe
Ukrainian armed forces have been shown testing an indigenous motorized canoe, the Poloz-M16. The two-person design is not typical of military canoes.
The canoe was seen armed with a single locally designed UAG-40 40mm grenade launcher…
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North Korea's New Underwater Drone
Kim Jong Un likes to unveil new ‘superweapons’ at its nighttime military parades. For several years this has been dominated by ever more fearsome ballistic missiles. This year it is drones.
As well as copies of the American MQ-9 Reaper, there was a new underwater drone…
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Evolution of Ukraine's Maritime Drone
UPDATED. Originally posted June 19 2023
From the original prototypes in the summer of 2022, through the attacks on Sevastopol in October and November 2022, maritime drones were seen as an exclusively Ukrainian game. Then in February 2023 a Russian explosive USV was used against the Zatoka bridge south of Odesa.
Ukraine for its part was already working on a 2nd generation…
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Russian Navy Deploys Makeshift GPS Jammers To Warship For St. Petersburg Parade
The Russian Navy appears to have heightened concerns that its annual Navy Day parade in Saint Petersburg may be attacked by drones.
Photographs shared on Russian social media appear to show a GPS jammer aboard a Russian warship in the city…
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Ukraine's New Maritime Drone Is A Jet Ski
On July 17 Ukraine attacked the Kerch Bridge which connects Crimea to Russia. Initial reports suggest that uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), popularly known as maritime drones, were used…
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Ways Russia Could Attack Merchant Ships If Black Sea Grain Initiative Ends
From the first day of its 2022 invasion, Russia enforced a blockade of Ukrainian ports. Several merchant ships were attacked, likely by Russian forces. Grain shipments, vital for world food stability, were stopped.
Starting in July 2022, the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) allows the export of grain from the Black Sea. The latest iteration of the deal is set to expire on July 18….
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Russian Navy's New Deceptive Camouflage To Protect Kalibr-Armed Warships
UPDATED
The Russian Navy has continued to apply deceptive camouflage to key ships in the Black Sea. The new camo was first reported on the frigate Admiral Essen last week.
Since then at least 6 more warships have been painted in a similar way…
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Russian Navy's New Deceptive Camouflage To Protect Kalibr-Armed Warships
UPDATED The Russian Navy has continued to apply deceptive camouflage to key ships in the Black Sea. The new camo was first reported on the frigate Admiral Essen last week.
Since then at least 3 more warships have been painted in a similar way…
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Indications of Poseidon Test Launch From Submarine Belgorod
Russia’s largest submarine, Belgorod (K-329) has sailed from Severodvinsk in the Russian Arctic in the past few days. This is likely unrelated to the Wagner coup/rebellion but may be significant all the same…
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Another Russian Floating Dock Sinks In Sevastopol
Marked by an orange floating boom, there is now a dark hole of calm water in Sevastopol Harbour. Beneath it, a floating dock sits on the bottom, sunk…
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Russia's Copy Of Ukraine's Maritime Drones: Sargan USV
A group from Sevastopol has displayed a new uncrewed surface vessel, the Sargan, at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF).
The ‘Sargan’ vehicle has clear influences from Ukraine’s ‘maritime drones’. These have been attacking the Russian Navy in Sevastopol since October 2022…
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Guide To Russian Seabed Warfare Capabilities In Black Sea
A Russian Navy Vishnya class Intelligence Ship was reportedly attacked by Ukrainian maritime drones (USVs) on June 11. Russia’s claims that the ship was defending gas pipelines in the Black Sea raises some questions.
Was that is really why it was there? Do the pipelines need protecting, and if so, who from?
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Spy Ship Attacked: Russia Implies Ukrainian/NATO Threat To TurkStream Gas Pipeline
There are reports from Russian sources claiming that the Black Sea Fleet Vishnya class Intelligence Ship Priazovye, was attacked by maritime drones (USVs).
However the claimed reason that she was there may be more significant.
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Previously Unreported Italian Special Forces AE-90 Submarine Seen For First Time
Italy’s COMSUBIN combat swimmers paraded a previously unreported mini-submarine at the Republic day parade in Rome on June 2nd…
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Next Week: Combined Naval Event 2023
See you at the Combined Naval Event in Farnborough, United Kingdom, next week. I will be giving talking two talks, one on Russian submarines, and the other on China’s rapidly evolving submarine capabilities…
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Ginormous Narco-Submarine Interdicted In Pacific
The Colombian Navy interdicted an unusually large narco-submarine in the Pacific on May 11-12. The 30 meter long vessel was 3 meters wide…
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OSINT: Concentration Of Five Russian Warships In North Sea
A concentration of at least five Russian Navy warships, plus two auxiliaries, has formed in the North Sea.
3 of warships are Kalibr cruise missile capable.
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Stealth Fighters Quiz
Do all ‘stealth fighters’ look the same? Well here is the quiz to prove your knowledge. Some are operational, while others are only prototypes or demonstrators, but all have flown.
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Iran's First Drone Carrier Gets Ski Jump
Further to the article in December 2022, the ski-jump arrangement of Iran’s first drone carrier is now confirmed in photos.
The carrier, to be named Shahid Bagheri, has an unique flight deck layout.
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Russia Faces New Threat: Ukraine’s ‘Toloka’ Underwater Maritime Drone
The Russian Navy has a new problem in the Black Sea. Ukrainian group Brave-1 have shown their Toloka weaponized UUV (uncrewed underwater vehicle). The design is evidently intended to operate as a form of loitering torpedo.
It is a concept that makes a lot of sense.
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Update: 2017 Gävle submarine incident may have been Russian incursion
In July 2017 an unidentified submersible was imaged underwater in Gävle harbour, Sweden, by a ship conducting a survey.
I no longer believe that it was a Swedish made Carrier SEAL. By implication, a Russian submersible is most likely.
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North Korea's Mini-Poseidon: Haeil-2
The Pyongyang regime could be forgiven for lamenting that their expensive efforts to capture world attention by testing new wonder weapons has fallen flat. Firing ballistic missiles, even impressive ones, barely gets noticed these days.
Yet of course defense analysts take these developments seriously…
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Russian Firm Develops New 'Skat' Underwater Vehicle
Russian media has reported that Spektr Engineering design bureau has developed a new uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV).
The ‘Skat’ (Скат) may have potential uses in the war with Ukraine.
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Ukraine's New Maritime Drone Revealed
Images have emerged showing a new ‘maritime drone, aka uncrewed surface vessel (USV), developed in Ukraine. The design is related to Monobank, an online bank which has become one of the main ways volunteers to provide money to the Ukrainian war effort.
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Confirmed: Narco Submarine Discovered In Spain Is Directly Related To 2019 Incident
Images of the narco submarine found in Vilaxoán, Galicia, Spain being lifted confirm yesterday’s analysis. The vessel is directly related to the 2019 incident.
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Latest Transatlantic Narco-Submarine In Europe Has Same Builder As Last One
A narco-submarine has been found in Galicia, Spain. Only the bow was poking up above the waves.
Despite this, it is possible to identify the type…
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Iran's IRGC Special Forces Using Modern German Underwater Vehicles
Iran’s second navy, the IRGC-N (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy) often raises a eyebrows with its outlandish weapons concepts. Yet behind the propaganda and hyperbole there is a consistent and growing core of good ideas and viable equipment.
The IRGC has now created the world’s first very small air-defense boat…
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Iran Reveals World's First Air Defense Small Boat
Iran’s second navy, the IRGC-N (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps Navy) often raises a eyebrows with its outlandish weapons concepts. Yet behind the propaganda and hyperbole there is a consistent and growing core of good ideas and viable equipment.
The IRGC has now created the world’s first very small air-defense boat…
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Countries That Can Design And Build Submarines Today
There are more countries building submarines today than there has ever been.
This is the list.
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OSINT Analysis: Russian Spetsnaz Attack Ukrainian Ships Using Western Gear
A video has surfaced on Russian social media which appears to show Russian Spetsnaz attacking Ukrainian targets. They are equipped with a mix of modern Western and Russian equipment.
It provides useful insights into the under-reported combat swimmer aspects of the war.
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New Tracked Underwater Drones
The concept of submarine crawlers, which use tracks to navigate on the sea floor is not new. But it is still novel.
What the Bayonet series of crawlers adds is modern levels of automation, reliability and flexibility. And unlike regular UUVs (Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles) the crawlers are amphibious.
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Chinese High-Altitude Balloons Also Used Over Indian Military Bases
UPDATED
The Chinese balloon flying over the United States is getting headlines. The Chinese government has admitted it is their’s but claim that it is civilian in nature and that the overflight is accidental.
There is very strong circumstantial evidence that these are military related ‘spy balloons’ and that there is a pattern of operation going back at least a year…
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U.S. Navy & CIA Submarine Launched Spy Balloons
A stray Chinese ‘weather balloon’ (yeah right) gallivanting across America is a curious reminder of the underreported would have balloon warfare.
During the Cold War the U.S. Navy was, with the CiA, experimenting with launching similar balloons from a submarine…
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Unusually Large Narco Submarine Found
Venezuelan government forces have captured an unusual narco submarine. The large twin-motor vessel was under construction in the jungle.
Its size, twin motors and construction site open up the possibility that this is actually another transatlantic craft.
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Unidentified Object On Chinese Navy Nuclear Missile Submarine
An interesting video has surfaced on Chinese social media, shared on Twitter here, of a Chinese Navy (PLAN) Type-094 Jin Class ballistic missile submarine. The submarine is seen on the surface with one of the starboard (right) missile hatches open.
Behind that, on the aft of the raised missile deck casing, is an unidentified structure.
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Ukraine War Navy Recognition Quiz
This quiz covers warships and other naval vessels currently operating in the Black Sea as part of the war. Both Russian and Ukrainian types are shown.
Think you know your warships and submarines? Take the quiz!
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Fake Position Reported For Russian Navy Cruiser Ustinov
One of the Russian Navy’s two remaining SLAVA Class cruisers, Marshal Ustinov, has appeared on AIS (automated identification system). The reported position is in the Norwegian Sea, near where some Russian warships have been operating.
The AIS data is false however…
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Types Of Armored Vehicle Quiz
Is this a tank?!!?!??!
Think you know your Tanks from your recce vehicles? Take the quiz!
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Further Expansion Of China's Nuclear Submarine Shipyard
In recent years China has been rapidly increasing its warship building capacity. This includes a major expansion of the Huludao (Bohai) shipyard on the Bohai Sea in northern China.
Now a new harbor is being added, possibly to accommodate the increased production of nuclear submarines…
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Russia Adds Even More Anti-Maritime Drone Defenses In Sevastopol
The October 29 Ukrainian attack on Sevastopol, using ‘maritime drones’ has had a dramatic impact on the Russian Navy. Now a new defensive boom has been added across the inner harbor.
The floating boom can make it difficult for the maritime drones.
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Iran's First Carrier Expected To Be Launched In 2023
Work is progressing on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ first aircraft carrier. The 240 meter long drone carrier is based on a large merchant ship hull. Two of the vessels are expected to be built, the Shahid Mahdavi and Shahid Bagheri…
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Season's Greetings & Update on Books
Season’s greetings. 2022 has seen the Covert Shores blog (and Twitter) focusing on the naval aspects of the war in Ukraine. I will continue this focus as long as the fighting continues. I hope to return to submarine cutaways (there are several completed but unpublished) and the varied diet of obscure naval topics again in 2023. For the moment, I am playing it by ear however.
Please be aware that my books are no longer in print.
OSINT-Versus-Fiction: Jack Ryan's Ship Identified
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan is now in series 3 on Amazon Prime. Twitter user @legitloginname noticed that the show used satellite imagery of Sevastopol in one of its episodes. It is supposed to show a cargo ship. Of course, many in the defense and OSINT communities will instantly recognize which class of ship it actually is…
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Patriot3 Jetboots, Hammerhead & Kraken
UPDATED
**Patriot-3M diver propulsion** Patriot 3 Maritime (‘Patriot3M’) produces a range of diver propulsion products ranging from the widely known Jetboots, which are small thrusters which attach to the diver’s thighs, to the virtually unknown Kraken Sub-surface Multi-mission Vehicle Read More >….
Rare Smuggling Boat Captured In Malaysia
A large go-fast boat has been interdicted by the Malaysian Coast Guard. The vessel is generally similar to those used off China for smuggling cars and other goods.
while smuggling is not unknown in Southeast Asia, these types of boats are rare there. Or at least rarely reported…
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World Large Submarine Drones Compared, Including Royal Navy Cetus
There are a growing number of large and extra-large UUVs (uncrewed underwater vehicles). The United States established an early lead but is now challenged by China. Other countries have notable projects, and Australia in particular is going big right now. Now the Royal Navy has announced the order of the Cetus design from MSubs…
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China's Continues Massive Construction At Key Navy Base In South China Sea
A major new construction has been taking place at Sanya on Hainan. The new site, being built out into the bay, is opposite a large dry dock which was only recently commissioned. ..
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Iran Building 4th Missile Catamaran, And New Stealth Version Launched
Double OSINT (open source intelligence) news on the IRGC’s (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corp).
The Shahid Soleimani class will be by far the most potent and modern of the IRGC’s warships. As well as a mix of short and long range anti-ship missiles, it can carry three fast boats in a hangar under the helicopter deck…
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Summary Of Increased Russian Defenses At Sevastopol And Novorossiysk
Since Ukraine’s attacks on Sevastopol on October 29, Russia has dramatically increased its harbor defenses. In the same way that the sinking of the cruiser Moskva may be the end of one chapter in naval warfare, the attack of the ‘maritime drones’ signals another.
Sevastopol is now protected by two layers of floating booms at the harbor entrance…
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Ukraine's Maritime Drones (USV) What You Need To Know
Ukraine’s unique ‘Magura’ maritime drones, termed uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) in naval parlance, have taken the war to the Russian Navy. They are part of a major switch in the fortunes for the Russian invasion.
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Britain's New Large Submarine Drone: Herne XLAUV Design
Britain’s largest defense company, BAE Systems, has entered the underwater drone space in a big way…
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Russia's answer to the U.S. Navy's Orca XLUUV: Sarma-D
The Sarma-D is Russia’s answer to the U.S. Navy’s Orca XLUUV (extra-large uncrewed underwater vehicle). This massive robot submarine promises an incredible 8-10,000 km range, and many of the trappings of full-size submarines.
Its naval potential is clear…
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Putin's Superyacht Makes Dark Run To Special Facility Near St. Petersburg
There are indications that a special facility for superyachts has been built at Lomonosov outside St Petersburg, Russia following the Ukraine Invasion.
Putin’s Superyacht Graceful recently made a Dark Run there…
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Attack On Kerch Bridge: Initial Geolocation Of Damage
UPDATED
This will undoubtedly go down in history as a textbook conventional strategic strike on vital infrastructure. Yet we do not yet know how it was achieved.
Ahead of fresh satellite imagery, I have made a first pass at geolocating the damage…
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Russian Underwater Drone With Manipulator Arm For Seabed Operations
Manipulator arms, with claws which can grab or move items on the seafloor, are commonly associated with remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and crewed submarines. But Russia has developed an AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle) with one…
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Location Of 4th Leak On Russia's NordStream Gas Pipeline In Baltic
The September 27 attacks on the Nordstream gas pipelines near the Danish island of Bornholm is a serious international incident. There is now little doubt that it was sabotage…
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Russia Forced To Reduce Submarines In Mediterranean Despite Risk Of Escalation In Ukraine
Updated
This morning a Russian Navy submarine sailed, on the surface, past Gibraltar where it exited the Mediterranean. The Pr.636.3 Improved-KILO class boat is likely heading to the Baltic for much needed maintenance.
This weakens their forces in the Mediterranean….
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Ukraine's New USV Compared
On September 21 it was revealed that Ukraine operates a previously unreported USV (uncrewed surface vessel). The small, low-profile design appears to be a form of uncrewed explosive boat. Its conceptual simplicity combined with relative sophistication set it apart from previous explosive boats…
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SKYFALL Imminent: Signs Of Russia's Next Nuclear-Powered Missile Test
Updated
There are clear indications that Russia is preparing to test the nuclear-powered Burevestnik (NATO: SKYFALL) missile. The test site at Pankovo on Novaya Zemlya in the Russian Arctic is extremely remote.
Increased activity at the site has been monitored by defense analysts for some time…
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Russia’s Washed Up Invasion: Mystery Objects Found On Beaches
Updated
Amid the debris of war, mysterious round objects have been washing up on Black Sea beaches. Metal spheres, with a series of horns protruding, they have been reported in local media as mines.
Indeed their nature seems obvious. But it is not, these are not mines…
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OSINT: Russia Removes 2 Radar Decoys Protecting Kerch Bridge
The Kerch Bridge, built by Russia since it annexed Crimea, is of strategic importance. In June extra steps were taken to protect it from Ukrainian attack.
Now some of these defenses have been removed….
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Chinese Navy Expansion: Yet Another Massive Dry Dock Takes Shape
The rate of Chinese warship production is impressive by any standards. A new Google Earth satellite image update of shipyards in Shanghai emphasises this.
The latest image shows solid progress on a massive dry dock…
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Gone: Famous Chinese Shipyard Disappears
For many years Chinese warships and submarines have been built at a shipyard in downtown Wuhan. The yard, on the Yangtze River defined the area. But as the urban environment developed, it seemed increasingly out of place.
There is now clear evidence that the yard has closed…
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Russian Submarine Concept: Amur e600
UPDATED Sept 4
An unusual and interesting design, the e600 is the latest submarine from Russian design bureau Rubin. Being a single-hull design it fits within the ‘Amur’ family.
The key to an all-electric propulsion is lithium based battery technologies…
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Old-School Narco Submarine Interdicted By Colombian Navy
On the morning of Sunday August 28 it was confirmed that a ‘semi- submersible’ (read: low profile vessel, LPV) had been interdicted by the Colombian Navy.
It is essentially similar to one stopped in February 8 in the same area…
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Heavily Armed Russian Navy Ships Sailing Between Britain And Ireland
Regularly UPDATED
2022-09-04 0400Z
After several days loitering in the Celtic Sea, the Russian ships headed south briefly and then started a run through the English Channel overnight September 3-4..
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OSINT: Mysterious Beluga Whale Base In Sochi, Black Sea
The Russian Navy’s use of trained dolphins, seals and beluga whales, is well established.
A Beluga Whale site in Sochi, on the Black Sea, retains an air of mystery…
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Russia Forced To Reduce Navy In Mediterranean As Ukraine War Drags On
One of Russia’s two SLAVA class cruisers deployed to the Mediterranean has left the sea. The Marshal Ustinov was seen sailing out through the Straits of Gibraltar today.
This may be a sign that the Russian Navy forces in the Mediterranean, beefed up to support the invasion of Ukraine, are being forced to withdraw key assets…
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OSINT: Ukrainian Drone Took Inland Approach To Attack Russian Navy Headquarters At Sevastopol
Sevastopol harbour, the main naval base for Russia’s Black Sea fleet (BSF) has, until now, been largely unaffected by the sharp end of the Ukraine War. Butthe past week or so has seen Ukraine bring the war to Crimea.
On August 20 a drone hit the navy headquarters, in broad daylight. Interestingly, the drone approached from inland…
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OSINT: Russian Navy Base At Sevastopol Defended By Inflatable S-400 Missiles
Russia’s main naval base in the Black Sea, Sevastopol, is guarded by the latest S-400 air-defense system.
The real S-400 missiles have recently been moved from their permanent launch site however. Russian TV has shown inflatable replacements at the site.
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Idea - OSINT organization
Western governments should set up dedicated information and analysis units using open source intelligence (OSINT) and commercially sourced imagery to monitor and record ‘areas of interest’. This is to win the information war with facts.
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End Of The TYPHOON Era: World's Largest Submarine Retires
The last Pr.941 TYPHOON Class boat, Dmitriy Donskoy (TK-208), is reportedly no longer in active service. The world’s largest submarine, the undisputed king of submarines, is finally being decommissioned.
Regardless of your politics, there has always been a air of respect for the gigantic Russian submarine in defense circles.
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Russian Navy Also Deployed Trained Dolphins To Novorossiysk In Black Sea
The revelation, based on analysis of open source intelligence, that the Russia has deployed dolphins to guard Sevastopol, brought marine mammal programs into focus.
As part of the research into this I also discovered that the dolphins have previously been deployed to Novorossiysk.
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OSINT: Indications That Russian Navy Has Shifted Focus In Black Sea
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) increasingly suggests that key elements of the Russian Navy have changed their patrol areas. Remaining warships, notably the Project 11356R Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates, are patrolling off the southern tip of Crimea.
One theory is that this is to protect the Kerch Bridge….
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OSINT: Unusual Mini-Submarine Seen In Sevastopol, Black Sea
UPDATED
A major naval base supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sevastopol in Crimea is a hive of submarine activity.
Now There is an unusual mini-submarine in Sevastopol…
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DCS Next: Return Of The U.S. Navy's ASDS Submarine
The U.S. Navy is a world leader in special forces submarines. The latest DCS (dry combat submersible) must be the envy of even the best equipped NATO partners.
But already the Navy & SOCOM are already planning a follow-on submarine…
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Elusive Narco Drone Submarines Surface In Spain
Each of the remote-controlled craft can carry an estimated 200 kg of narcotics. The Gibraltar area is known for hashish smuggling from nearby Morocco. But reports suggest that these narco torpedoes were destined for French criminals. their payload would likely have been cocaine rather than hashish…
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Russia Deploys Unusual Decoys To Protect Strategic Bridge To Crimea
The Kerch Bridge, built by Russia to join Crimea to mainland Russia, is a strategic link. It is vital infrastructure for the war in other parts of Ukraine.
Now Russia has deployed several countermeasures systems to protect it…
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Attack On Russian Oil Facility Reveals Ukraine's Unreported Kamikaze Drone
Ukraine’s successful attack on the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery, Rostov, occurred at 8:40am local time on June 22.
Video of the attack clearly shows the drone involved. But it does not match any reported type in Ukrainian service….
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NASA Detects Burning Russian Controlled Oil Platform After Ukrainian Attack
Ukraine attacked oil platforms controlled by Russia today. Images have yet to emerge
However, a technique new to Naval OSINT, has revealed the location of a burning oil rig…
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OSINT: Myanmar's New FF-135 Frigate Under Construction
There is less awareness of the Myanmar Navy in the west than it deserves. A country with a checkered history, Myanmar (formerly Burma) has flirted with international isolation.
The latest frigate project is the largest and most heavily armed to date…
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Russian Navy Ship Vasily Bekh Hit Off Snake Island
There are credible reports that the Russian Navy Pr.22870 Rescue Tug Spasatel Vasily Bekh (SB-739) has been hit and sunk by Ukrainian navy missiles.
This is important, beyond the obvious morale boost for Ukrainian Forces.
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Russia Building More Lada Submarines: Potemkin Class?
Russia is good at building impressive and powerfully armed submarines. Now, amidst the Ukraine War and continued efforts to modernize its navy, the keels of two new Pr.677 Lada class submarines have been laid.
This seems unrealistic…
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Ukraine War Grain: Russian Ships Loading In Crimea
Merchant ships only rarely pass through the crosshairs of defense OSINT. Now Russian ships are loading with grain in Crimea.
We can see and track this via OSINT, similar to how we track naval movements…
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Mystery Object Found In Sea Near British Submarine Base
An unusual object has been found by a fishing boat near the approaches to the Royal Navy’s submarine bases on the Clyde, Scotland. At first glance the device appears to be some sort of mine.
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OSINT: 3 'Dark' Merchant Ships Appear Off Russian Base In Crimea
Much of the focus today in the naval OSINT (open source intelligence) sphere has surrounded the large number of Russian Navy ships in Sevastopol. But perhaps a bigger story is the innocent looking ships anchored just outside the harbor.
Three merchant ships were visible today off Sevastopol…
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OSINT: Chinese Navy Expanding Key Air Base In South China Sea
China is expanding Lingshui Air Base near the Sanya & Yulin naval bases on Hainan, South China Sea. The base has already been upgraded to accommodate fighter aircraft from the aircraft carriers stationed there.
Now the west side of the base is being upgraded.
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Mystery Objects Off Chinese Coast, Near Special Base
There are four unexplained pillars or buoys just off the coast of Dalian, China. They are now visible on Google Earth.
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Russia Taking Captured Ukrainian Navy Vessels Into Service
Berdyansk will be remembered in the Ukraine Invasion as where a Russian Navy landing ship met its dramatic end. There was another naval victory at Berdyansk however, one for the Russians. Several Ukrainian vessels had been captured there in the first days of the war.
Evidence suggests that at least one of these has been pressed into Russian Navy service.
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Russian Navy Performed A Major Demonstration In Black Sea
May 24 saw a major amphibious demonstration by the Russian Navy in the Black Sea. This is an exercise where their landing ships are used to threaten an amphibious assault. This stresses the Ukrainian defenses and creates uncertainty.
The demonstration is visible in a Sentinel-2 satellite overpass of the western Black Sea
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Russian Navy's Way Around Turkey Closing The Bosporus To Its Warships, Literally
When Turkey closed the Bosporus to Russian warships it made headlines. It seriously restricts Russia’s ability to move its warships around, limiting which warships can directly participate in its invasion of Ukraine.
But there is a trick up Russia’s sleeve…
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Suspicious Super Go-Fast Boats Seen Loitering Off Taiwanese Island
Taiwanese media has reported that four boats were observed acting suspiciously near one of the county’s small islands. The vessels are super-go fasts, a custom type used by smugglers in the region.
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OSINT: Iran's IRGC Getting Massive New Ship
The Iranian military is continuing its love affair with large forward base ships. The IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard) are commissioning a new vessel, the I.R.I.S. Shahid Mahdavi (110-3)
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Snakehead: The U.S. Navy's Large Submarine-Deployable Underwater Drone
The Snakehead LDUUV (large displacement underwater vehicle) is entering service with the U.S. Navy. Approximately the same size as a SEAL delivery vehicle (SDV), it can be carried by submarines equipped with a dry deck shelter (DDS).
It marks the maturing of U.S. Navy technology and doctrine of underwater drones.
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The Raptor's Tale: Latest Russian Assault Boat Destroyed May Be '002'
A video released by the Ukrainian armed forces shows that Russia has lost another two assault boats.
One of the two appears to be painted white. This matches a specific Raptor which was seen heading towards the Black Sea prior to the war.
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Australian Navy To Build 3 Extra-Large Drone Submarines
The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) is going big in the uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) game. The Australian Department of Defence is joining with American company Anduril to develop an XLAUV
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First Time Rare Fully-Submersible Narco Submarine Caught
Just when our eyes are fixed on the Ukraine War, a narco submarine surfaces on the other side of the world.
A narco submarine discovered on the Arauca River is unusual and significant in 3 ways
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Russian TV Segment On Poseidon Nuclear Torpedo Destroying Britain Is Misleading
A segment aired on Russia-1, a state-owned TV channel, appears to be aimed at a British audience. The video amounts to a threat, showing how the Poseidon nuclear-armed torpedo could be used to destroy Britain.
Poseidon is to be taken very seriously. But this video should not.
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Oligarch's Luxury Mega-Yacht Nord, Cutaway
The luxurious world of super yachts is incredibly secretive. Especially those owned by Russian Oligarchs. Part of an elite among elites, this top-tier have features worthy of a Bond villain. Mini-submarines, amphibious vessels, helicopters and remote vehicles.
Motor Yacht Nord, often described as a warship in a tuxedo, is one of the most impressive.
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Seen For First Time : North Korea's Largest Submarine Launched Missile
The latest military parade in the North Korean capital showcased yet another new missile.
The days when observers mocked North Korean missile capabilities feel long gone…
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Russia's Unique 110-Year-Old Ship, Kommuna
The vintage rescue ship Kommuna has a long and at times distinguished career. Now 110 years old, she finds herself in active duty in the Russian-Ukraine war.
Kommuna is one of the more interesting ships afloat today
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Wreck Site For Moskva Cruiser (Coordinates)
Using open source intelligence (OSINT), the location of the wreck of Moskva has been provisionally identified.
And other updates
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Russia Deploys Unusual 110-Year-Old Ship To Investigate Moskva Wreck
Since it was sunk by Ukrainian missiles on April 13-14, analysts have been watching for signs of a salvage operation on Moskva. The once-mighty SLAVA Class cruiser is the largest warship to be lost in combat for decades.
It now appears that the vintage rescue ship Kommuna has been deployed.
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Russian Submarines Launching Kalibr Cruise Missiles At Ukraine
A steady stream of Kalibr cruise missiles is one of the Russian Navy’s major contributions to the Ukraine invasion. Launching missiles is a visible symbol for the Russian Navy, often featured on Ministry of Defense videos.
But not all of the missile launches are so visible. Literally.
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China Shows New Hypersonic Missile On Type-055 Cruiser For First Time
The Chinese Navy (PLAN) has been showing off its maturing capabilities. A video released today and shared on social media shows a new missile being launched from a Type-055 Renhai Class cruiser.
It appears to be the hypersonic YJ-21 anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM).
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Moskva Sinking: Images Reveal Once Powerful Russian Navy Ship On Fire
The first images of the stricken Russian Navy cruiser Moskva are emerging. They show the once-mighty warship listing to port (left). Smoke is pouring out of the superstructure and there are signs of fires.
A quick analysis of what we are seeing.
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OSINT Suggests Around Half Of Moskva's Crew Killed Or Injured
UPDATED Apr 17
The Russian Ministry of Defense released a video showing a parade of the Moskva’s crew. This follows the loss of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet flagship, reportedly to Ukrainian missiles, on April 13/14.
It makes sober watching.
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Satellite Imagery Shows Progress In China's New Submarine Construction
Fresh satellite imagery shows steady progress at China’s new submarine construction facility. The new Maxar imagery has been uploaded to Google Earth. It is very recent, less than a month old, which is unusual for the platform.
Fortunately, some interesting things can be observed.
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Russian Oligarch’s Ginormous Yacht Arrives In Unlikely Hiding Place
Russian Oligarchs are used to a life of luxury, sometimes owning multiple massive yachts. Yet since many countries have sanctioned key Oligarchs, the yachts have been on the run.
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Spain's S-80P Isaac Peral Class AIP Submarine
The S-81 Isaac Peral is one of the largest non-nuclear submarines in the world. The long-range 2,965 ton boat will bring new capabilities to the Spanish Navy and is being offered on the export market.
Uniquely for a Western non-nuclear submarine it is equipped to launch Tomahawk missiles.
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Chinese Navy Ship Seen At Important African Base For First Time
The Chinese Navy is extending its reach to the world’s oceans. A Chinese Navy warship has been observed calling at the new base in Djibouti. This location is strategic, and has been years in the building, but until now Chinese warships had not docked there.
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New A.I. Tools Help OSINT Analysis Of Ukraine War
Using A.I. I have been exploring the impact of Russia closing general access to the Kerch Straight.
Here is how.
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Russian Navy Warship Seen Off Odessa Identified
The residents of Odessa awoke this morning to the sounds of shelling. Several videos are already circulating.
Based on images shared online, I have been able to identify one of the ships as a Russian Navy frigate.
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New Iranian Weaponized Underwater Drone
Iran’s IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) has unveiled yet another new weapon.
This one appears more useful than many previous grand unveilings.
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Russia's Forgotten Super-Ship In Black Sea: BORA Class Hovercraft
At the end of the Cold War the Soviet Union fielded an array of mechanically impressive ‘super ships’. These included the world’s largest submarines, a battlecruiser and missile armed Ekranoplans.
In the missile corvette category it was the Bora Class.
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Controversial Russian Spy Ship Yantar Leaves Base
Yantar, the special mission ship reputed to be involved in spying on undersea internet cables, has left her base. The controversial ship has departed Olenya Guba near the Kola Peninsular in Russia’s arctic north.
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Evidence Of Russia's Planned Amphibious Landings in Ukraine
Belarusian president Alexander Lukashenko has shown plans for an amphibious landing near Odessa on Ukraine’s southern coast.
It is an apparent intelligence blunder as no landings have been reported there.
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Attack on Merchant Ship Off Ukraine Seen in Satellite Imagery
Millennial Spirit, a Moldavian flagged chemical tanker, was attacked on February 25. At 09:07 UTC te next day it was still on fire.
It is visible on Sentinel 2 satellite imagery.
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Mystery Object Found On Indonesian Beach Identified
Another ‘mystery object’ has washed up on an Indonesian beach. Some reports describe it as missile-like. Others, possibly influenced by a spate of Chinese ocean gliders which washed up in Indonesia, label it another “seaglider”.
It is neither.
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Russian Navy Make Significant Pre-Positioning Moves
Regular updates on Russian Navy anti-ship (/anti-carrier) assets in Mediterranean and Black Sea. And other key vessels. Compiled with Damien Symon, based on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT).
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BACKFIRE Backfires: Misreported Missile Threat To Aircraft Carriers
Russia has deployed Tu-22M3 BACKFIRE-C and MiG-31K FOXHOUNDs to Syria as part off the Ukraine tensions. They are widely reported to be equipped with the latest Kh-32 and Kinzhal missiles respectively.
This appears to be incorrect.
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France's New Seabed Control Strategy: Know, Watch & Act
France is moving ahead with high-capability seabed warfare capabilities. The new strategy, which is broader than just the French Navy (Marine Nationale), could place France at the leading edge of these capabilities within NATO.
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OSINT Tracker Feb 15 2022: Russian Navy Anti-Ship Capabilities in Mediterranean & Black Sea
Regular updates on Russian Navy anti-ship (/anti-carrier) assets in Mediterranean and Black Sea. Compiled with Damien Symon, based on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT).
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Submarine Misinformation: False Reports Of Russian Sub In Mediterranean
Russian media has reported that the country’s only LADA Class submarine, Sankt Peterburg (B-585) has deployed to the Mediterranean.
This appears to be incorrect. The submarine is instead believed to be in Kronstadt in the Baltic.
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OSINT Tracker Feb 13 2022: Russian Navy Anti-Ship Capabilities in Mediterranean & Black Sea
Regular updates on Russian Navy anti-ship (/anti-carrier) assets in Mediterranean and Black Sea. Compiled with Damien Symon, based on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT).
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Russia’s Unseen Ukraine Build-Up: There are Probably Submarines In the Atlantic
When Russia moved a group of warships from the Arctic to the North Atlantic it made the news. As did some ambitious landing ships which were sent to the Black Sea as part of ‘drills’. Yet other developments go unreported.
It is likely that Russia has deployed nuclear-powered submarines to the North Atlantic. Read More >….
OSINT Tracker Feb 10 2022: Russian Navy Anti-Ship Capabilities in Mediterranean & Black Sea
Regular updates on Russian Navy anti-ship (/anti-carrier) assets in Mediterranean and Black Sea. Compiled with Damien Symon, based on Open Source Intelligence (OSINT).
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OSINT Tracker: Russia's Principle Anti-Ship Capabilities in Mediterranean & Black Sea, Feb 09 2022
UPDATED
This tracker, compiled with Damien Symon and aided by others, is intended to give the big picture. It should provide a general understanding of the scope and scale of Russian anti-ship weapons in the region.
Russian Naval activity in Mediterranean and Black Seas has been increasing. Although generally explained away as ‘drills’, this is closely linked to the build-up off Ukraine.
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'Olympics Class': New Mystery Submarine Class Spotted In China
China has done it again! I have said before, only the Chinese can build a major new submarine type without the defense community knowing about it beforehand.
And now another new class has been spotted.
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Russian Carrier Killers
If the Ukraine situation goes up in smoke, the Mediterranean could become a front line between Russian and NATO navies. NATO has three carriers there.
Russia has a strong focus on anti-carrier capabilities.
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Russia Sends Second SLAVA Class Cruiser Into Mediterranean
It appears that Russia has deployed a second SLAVA Class cruiser, Marhsal Ustinov, to the Mediterranean. Added to the one in the Black Sea, this represents a serious concentration of firepower in the region.
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Sweden's Nuclear Submarine: The A-11A 'Atomic'
Updated. Originally Posted July 12, 2017. 
Sweden was one of the first countries to pursue a nuclear powered submarine, starting development in 1957.
This article summarizes the major features of the nuclear and AIP designs which were part of the journey to the conventionally powered A-11 Sjöormen Class…
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OSINT: China Likely Scrapping KILO Class Submarines
Photos have surfaced of one of the two original Pr.877EKM type boats beached.
I have geolocated it to a small shipyard not previously associated with submarines or other PLAN work…
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Russia's New GUGI Spy Ship Slips Her Moorings
There is growing interest in Russia’s capabilities against internet cables.
Credible reports in Russian sources suggests that Russia’s newest special spy ship has moved from its fitting out mooring. Evgeny Gorigledzhan is expected to start sea trials imminently.
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More NATO Submarines In The Black Sea: Bulgaria's Options?
Against the backdrop of NATO-Russia tensions, NATO member Bulgaria is reprioritizing its needs. Bulgaria is speeding up reestablishing its submarine capability. The country is said to already be in talks with another country.
Here is a ‘hot take’…
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First Look At Israeli Navy Dakar Class Submarine
Confirmation that Israel has signed for German shipbuilder TKMS to build 3 Dakar class submarines provides our first look at the new design.
An official graphic released by TKMS shows that the submarine will be significantly different from the current Dolphin-II class.
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The Revolutionary Submarine You Haven't Heard Of: Narval (1899)
Many histories of submarines start with the designs of John Philip Holland. Yet there was, at the same time, a French designer who was arguably equally important.
Maxime Laubeuf’s ideas and designs literally shaped submarines to this day.
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Killer Dolphins: World Survey Of Navy Marine Mammal Programs
I have identified four countries with marine mammal programs. The United States, Russia, North Korea, and Israel.
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Hamas Alleges That Israel Has 'Killer Dolphins'
A video posted by Hamas alleges that one of its frogmen was killed by an Israeli trained dolphin. This may not be as far fetched as it at first sounds. The video shows a harness which it alleges was recovered. The harness appears to fit the nose of a dolphin. And is similar to those used in US Navy and Russian Navy marine mammal programs.
The harness appears to have a spear gun-like device attached.
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The Kaiser's Forgotten Steam-Powered Super Submarine, Project 50
During World War One Germany was undoubtedly one of the leading countries for submarines. Their mainstay types were extremely combat effective. But they were not known for extreme designs. In tis regard, the British generally built bigger and more elaborate designs. But Germany did build a few large submarines.
The most impressive design was the steam-powered Project 50 Tauchschiff…
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China Building New Dry Dock At Myanmar Navy Shipyard
China’s supply of a submarine to the Myanmar Navy at the end of 2021 has brought the two country’s military closeness into focus.
But there is another major project which is largely being overlooked. China is building a massive dry dock in the country.
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Indian Navy's Third Ballistic Missile Submarine Doubles Missile Armament
The quiet launch of India’s 3rd Arihant Class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) did not go unnoticed. Satellite images confirm that it is much longer than the first two boats of the class.
This supports reports that the new submarine has 8 instead of 4 missile tubes.
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OSINT: Possible Fire Aboard Chinese Navy (PLAN) Warship, Qingdao, China
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) suggests that a Chinese Navy (PLAN) warship may have caught fire on December 27. The vessel and smoke is visible in Sentinel-2 satellite imagery of Qingdao, were one of China’s aircraft carriers is based.
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OSINT: First Images Of New Inlay Class Warship For Myanmar Navy
The arrival of a Chinese Type-035 Ming Class submarine in Myanmar has brought a brief moment of renewed interest in the country’s navy.
Images also show another new warship.
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OSINT: Chinese Submarine Seen in Myanmar
UPDATED
Fresh imagery posted on TikTok appears to confirm that the Chinese Navy (PLAN) submarine seen entering the Malacca Strait on December 20 was heading to Myanmar. The Type-035 Ming Class boat was flying a Chinese flag as it entered the Strait.
It is unclear from the imagery whether it was still flying that flag.
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Montreux Games: Russia's Self-Inflicted Submarine Problem During The Ukraine Tensions
If the current tensions with Russia, centered on Ukraine, escalate to localized blows they will likely be a land, air and cyber conflict. Not naval. Largely this is because of geography.
But there is another factor, the little known Montreux Convention….
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4 New T-Shirts In The Store
II don’t plug the Covert Shores store very often, it is not what this site is about. The T-shirts, mugs and posters are there for the serious submarine interest group, people who know. And popular demand.
But as the holiday season rapidly approaches, I thought that I should add some new options. Hopefully, if you are looking for submarine themed clothing tis may help. Thank you.
VISIT STORE
Narco Submarine Discovered On Beach
The Colombian Navy has sized another ‘narco submarine’ in operations against the “Clan del Golfo” group.
The Organized Armed Group (OAG) is known to use improvised explosive devices to protect its shipments.
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UPDATED: Chinese Navy Type-094 Jin SSBN in Taiwan Strait
Updated. Originally posted Nov 29, 2021
A Chinese Navy submarine, provisionally identified as a Type-094 Jin Class SSBN, is transiting the Taiwan Strait. The submarine is transiting north from the submarine base at Yulin in the South China Sea. It is surfaced and escorted by another vessel.
Update: A submarine, likely the same one, is now in Huludao in Northern China.
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OSINT: Another Major Iranian Warship Accident
The Iranian Navy seems to have more bad luck than most when it comes to warship accidents. On December 5 2021 their newest warship, IRIS Talayieh, which has not yet been commissioned, capsized in a partially flooded dry dock.
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OSINT: China's New Type-075 Assault Carrier On Sea Trials
China has taken another small step forward. Videos shared online have shown the commencement of sea trials for their third assault carrier. The Type-075 was moved away from its fitting-out pier by two tugs on November 25. OSINT soon emerged, and it is visible in Sentinel-2 satellite imagery out to sea.
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The Surprising Secret Of This Brazilian Navy Ship From 1915
From the outside the Brazilian Navy’s Ceara looked remarkably ordinary. And described as a ‘submarine tender’, it sounded ordinary too. But on the inside the layout was almost James Bond levels of cool…
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Russia's Unusual Mother Submarine For Spy Missions On The Sea Floor
Central to the Russian Navy’s seabed warfare capabilities are its ginormous ‘mother submarines’. Created by cutting a missile submarine in half and inserting a special compartment in place of the missile tubes, they are among the largest submarines on the planet.
BS-64 Podmoskovye is one of two DELTA class SSBNs which have been cut-and-shut in this way. She is particularly interesting…
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Improbable Navy Submarine Seen In Caspian Sea
A video has surfaced showing an unusual submarine being used by the Azerbaijani State Border Service (SBS)…
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Compact But Deadly: World Small Submarine Projects Compared
News that Turkish shipbuilder STM will start construction of the first STM-500 coastal submarine in 2022 brings small submarines back into focus. These diminutive vessels can pose a disproportionate threat to opposing forces in any conflict.
The customer of the STM-500 is not public, speculation points to Pakistan or Ukraine. ..
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African Navies' Submarine Capabilities 2021
Persistent rumors that Nigeria may receive a submarine from China have resurfaced again. While that is a case of “wait and see”, it is a timely reminder that several African Navies operated submarines.
17 boats are currently in service with three countries. .
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New Iranian Warship Design With VLS
Images shared on social media reveal a new Iranian warship design. The type appears to be connected the regular Navy rather than the less conventional IRGC.
While Iran displays a regular stream of these ship models, many of which never make it into the water, this one seems more credible.
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OSINT: China Floods Mega Dry Dock For The First Time
The massive dry dock which China has built as part of its Aircraft Carrier development, has been flooded for the first time…
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Russian Navy Spy Ship Near UK Carrier Strike Group
The arrival of the UK-led Carrier Strike Group (CSG), centered on HMS Queen Elizabeth, in the Middle East has presented many opportunities. Exercises with the Omani Navy and other allies, pass-exercises and photo opportunities. But for certain camera shy ships, there are clearly other opportunities.
There appears to be a Russian Navy ship tagging along.
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Bad Jizz: New Generation Of Narco Submarine Builders Present A Problem
In popular imagination the story of narco submarines is largely shaped by the exceptions, the unusual vessels and unique circumstances which make headlines. The ones that are the biggest, most sophisticated, which turn up in unlikely places, use disguises or are chased down by sailing ships. Yet the real story, from the analyst’s perspective, is one of trends.
We are seeing a shift in narco submarine production, a new epoch. It’s getting harder to classify them.
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Russian Navy Could Be Real Winner Of Sudan's Coup
The rapidly developing coup situation in Sudan may play to Russia’s advantage. The Russian Navy had previously arranged to establish a naval base but the deal was weakened by US diplomatic action.
If it is reborn, the base will greatly improve the Russian Navy’s ability to deploy in the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf. It is a strategic development with potentially with global consequences.
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Guide To North Korean Navy's Submarine Types
With approximately 70 boats, North Korea has possibly the largest submarine fleet in the World. Rivalled, in terms of numbers, only by the U.S. Navy and China. And while the submarines themselves may be small or antiquated, the men who man them have a proven track record of loyalty, discipline, basic naval competence and aggressive leadership….
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Narco Submarine Stopped By Ecuadorian Navy Sailing Ship
Not what you expect to hear, this might be unique. A modern-day smuggler’s boat was interdicted by a navy operated sailing ship in the Pacific.
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New Videos On My Youtube Channel
* Japanese Postwar Submarines (JMSDF)
* The New Stealth Submarines Explained (Quick Guide)
* Submarine Rankings: World’s 10 Largest Subs
* What you need to know about the KSS-III Submarine
* Top 5 SSK Submarines and Other Questions (Q&A)
* Apex Predators: AIP Submarines Explained by Covert Shores (Air Independent Propulsion)
Read More >….
Mystery Missile Could Point To Change In North Korea's Submarine Strategy
North Korea unveils so many new missiles that it is hard to keep up. For submarine launched missiles, which are one of the key focuses, the trend has been bigger and bigger.
Now a new missile has been displayed at an internal arms show. It is something of a mystery…
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Naval Group Reveal XLUUV Demonstrator
Described as an ‘Oceanic Underwater Drone Demonstrator’, French defense giant Naval Group’s entry into the XLUUV arena is impressive. The innovative design uses sleek whale-like lines, reminiscent of the SMX-31 concept…
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The Submarine Which Came In From The Cold: Belgorod Under Cover
Russia’s latest super-massive submarine, K-329 Belgorod, has been returned to the sheds.
This answers a small Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) mystery…
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3 Chinese Navy Ships of Interest in Sanya (Not The Carrier)
There is a tendency to focus on aircraft carriers and other major warships. Looking beyond them, there are sometimes some very interesting ships nearby.
In close concert with China’s second aircraft carrier, CV-17 Shandong, at Sanya in the South China Sea, are three of these. A massive space tracking ship, a spy ship and a unique type of support ship only used by the Chinese Navy (PLAN)…
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OSINT: China's Radar Cross-Section Test Facility For Stealth Aircraft
China is developing a large number of low-observable (‘stealth’) aircraft and uncrewed air vehicles. These include flying wing designs such as the GJ-11 and CH-7 designs. However in order to validate their stealth qualities, a large radar test facility has had to be built.
I do not normally do OSINT (open source intelligence) pieces on aviation topics but this one is interesting. So let’s go a bit off-topic…
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Mystery Stealth Boat in Gulfport, Mississippi Partially Identified
A candid photo of a previously unreported low-observable (stealth) boat has surfaced on social media. The catamaran is seen being lifted into (or possibly out of) the water at Gulfport, Mississippi.
the new vessel can be characterized as a catamaran version of the US Navy’s CCA (Combatant Craft Assault), at least in appearance…
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Nuclear Submarines - Quick Guide To An Important Difference
Following the announcement that Australia will acquire “nuclear submarines” through the AUKUS partnership, some confusion has arisen. Many observers, some apparently deliberately, have invited confusion and speculation by implying that it means nuclear armed submarines.
This quick chart should hopefully help clear things up for those less familiar with submarine matters.
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OSINT - 4 Russian Navy Improved-KILO Class Submarines In Tartus, Syria
There are currently 5 Russian Navy Pr.636.3 Improved KILO Class submarines in the Mediterranean. Analysis of Open sources confirms that four of them are in Tartus, Syria..
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Nuclear Submarine Race: Which Navies Have, Will Have or Want Them
With news that Australia is joining the nuclear submarine club, it is worth recapping which countries are building them. The number is increasing, and this might be a possible factor in the US and UK’s sudden willingness to add Australia to the list. I’ll put these into five categories
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Australian Navy May Be Looking At Nuclear Submarines
Rumors have surfaced that the US, and Britain, could be about to step in to help the Australian Navy realize a nuclear submarine capability. We may know whether this is true, and what it means, soon. In the meantime, these are the relevant submarines.
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The 4 Narco Submarine Incidents Behind Florida Court Case
6 Colombian nationals have pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine, using so-called narco submarines. The story. released by Acting United States Attorney Karin Hoppmann, has gathered some press attention. Using my database of reported narco submarine incidents, I have identified the ones listed in the press release.
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BREAKING: Russian Spy Ship Yantar Enters English Channel
Controversial Russian ‘research vessel’ Yantar has entered the English Channel heading northbound. It is currently south of the Lizard. The ship has turned on its AIS (automated Information System)…
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F-117A of The Seas: Lockheed Skunk Work's Sonar-Invisible Submarine
While developing the stealth aircraft which we know today as the F-117A Nighthawk (aka Stealth Fighter), Lockheed chanced upon something. It turned out that the faceted sides of the aircraft didn’t only deflect radar, they deflected sonar too.
This is relevant today because faceted sides are slowly becoming a thing on submarines.
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Lockheed's Incredible Stealth Ship: Sea Shadow
Imagine if a plane manufacturer, renowned for the F-117A ‘Stealth Fighter’, were to build a ship. That’s exactly what happened during the Cold War. Lockheed’s famous secret projects outfit, the Skunk Works, built a ship designed to be invisible to radar.
That unique vessel was the Sea Shadow (IX-529).
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Quick Comparison Between Korean KSS-III And ROMEO-Mod Class SSB Submarines
South Korea has test fired its Hyunmoo-4-4 ballistic missile from a KSS-III ( Dosan Ahn Changho class) submarine. The new weapon is potentially a game changer, especially as it is combined with a modern AIP-equipped launch platform.
This quick comparison shows it next to North Korea’s own ballistic missile submarine, the ROMEO-Mod Class.
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Chinese Navy's Little-Known Cruise Missile Submarine
Chinese attack submarines, like the Type-093 Shang, emphasize anti-ship cruise missiles. The story of the Chinese Navy’s (PLAN) submarine launched anti-ship missiles goes back to a very interesting submarine in the 1980s.
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Colombian Navy Interdicts Super Low-Profile Narco Submarine
The Colombian Navy has interdicted an unusual narco-submarine in the Pacific. From some angles the four-motor craft, a type of low-profile vessel (LPV), appears to not have a cabin.
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US Navy's Super Cruise Missile Submarine: USS Permit's Original Design
History remembers the USS Permit (SSN-594) as the name-ship of the Permit Class attack submarines. The Permits were the ultimate attack submarines of their time, and introduced several core features which became standard for US Navy submarines for decades.
But there is a major part of the story which is not widely known. This article explores the USS Permit’s original cruise missile submarine form.
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Two New Turkish Indigenous Submarine Designs
With the increasing confidence (and export presence) of Turkish defense industry, submarine designs are being added to the menu. Two defense firms, STM and Dearsan, have recently revealed their respective small submarine designs.
Both designs have some interesting features…
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Landlocked Navy Goes To War: Rwanda's mystery 'Squad 007' Boat Grabs Attention
Being land-locked, the Rwandan Defense Force (RDF) is not well known for its navy. However a small force which normally patrols a lake has been flung into the lime-light, operating in Mozambique.
The boats appear to be a military variant of the Italian-made Fabio Buzzi racing RIB…
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The World's First Nuclear Submarine: USS Nautilus (SSN-571)
The USS Nautilus ushered in the age of the nuclear submarine, and overnight transformed naval warfare. It is undeniably one of the most influential submarines ever.
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Iranian Warships Appear To Try To Sneak Into North Sea
In an apparent attempt to hide from open source intelligence, a controversial Iranian warship hid behind another vessel as it left the Baltic this evening. This partially masked it from a static webcam with otherwise broadcasts all ship movements in and out of the Baltic via the Great Belt Bridge in Denmark.
I will leave it to others to make the connection to current events in the Persian Gulf.
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Colombian Navy Seizes Another Narco Submarine In Jungle Raid
The Colombian Navy, in coordination with the Army and Attorney General’s Office has captured a narco-submarine. The low-Profile Vessel (LPV) was discovered in the jungle at least partially laden with narcotics.
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Largest Narco Submarines Compared To Navy Subs
Typically so-called “narco submarines” are generally quite small. But occasionally much larger narco subs have been found. How do they compare to the submarines in service with navies around the world?
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New YouTube Video: The 10 Types of Submarine
I am trying out recording videos for Youtube. The first topic is a simple explainer of the 10 types of submarines in service today. From SSBN to SSK, to AGS. The video explains what these terms means. …
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Go To Video >….
India's New Indiginous Submarine design: L&T SOV-400
The SOV-400 is a new submarine design from Larsen & Toubro. As it’s name implies it is around 400 tons placing it at the larger end of the ‘midget submarine’ spectrum….
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OSINT Analysis Shows That Iran Launched A New Missile Boat
OSINT. While the world watches watches the Iranian Navy’s largest warship, Makran, transit the English Channel, the IRGC has quietly launched one of its new missile corvettes. The boat, which is a large stealthy catamaran design, was launched at a yard on Qeshm Island between June 27 and July 2.
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Spy Submarine: Russia's AS-31 Losharik
Updated: Originally posted 22nd September 2016
On 1st July 2019 a fire occurred on a Russian deep nuclear station (‘AGS’) in the vicinity of Severomorsk. 14 of the crew died. RIP. The submarine in question has bee reported to be AS-31 Losharik. This article provides an overview and cutaway of the submarine…
Submarine Guide: Chinese Navy's Latest Type-039C Yuan Class
Already the backbone of the Chinese Navy’s (PLAN) submarine force. The AIP equipped Yuan Class now looks set for another major enhancement.
It may show that the PLAN is catching up to leading submarine technologies. It is also a sign that they are innovating and navigating their own route.
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Russian Navy Oscar-II Class Cruise Missile Submarine Seen Entering Baltic
A Russian Navy Pr.949A OSCAR-II cruise missile submarine has been observed entering the Baltic this morning.
It is very rare to see nuclear submarines in the Baltic although Russia deploys them there from time to time. These deployments act as a show of strength for both home and foreign audiences.
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Egyptian Navy Opens New Naval Base In Mediterranean
Egypt’s Navy is rapidly modernizing and expanding its capabilities. New warships from France, including two Mistral Class amphibious assault ships, and Italy, make it one of the best equipped mid-tier navies. But historically its footprint has been limited to a relatively small number of bases.
The July 3 Naval Base may further strengthen Egypt’s increasingly powerful Navy in the Mediterranean.
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Russia's New Super Submarine, Belgorod (K-329)
Updated. Originally posted Feb 28, 2021
Belgorod is one of the least understood submarines currently being built. It was launched in April 2019 and started sea trials on June 25 2021. It will be armed with the Poseidon strategic nuclear weapon, and also perform secretive seabed warfare missions.
It is unclear which role will take precedence…
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Covert Shores Surface Recognition Guide To Chinese Navy Submarines
A quick guide to the submarine classes of the People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). The chart is intended as a practical guide and does not include every sub-variant.
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Russian Submarine Russian Belgorod Seen In Western White Sea
The latest Russian submarine launched for several decades, K-329 Belgorod, sailed on sea trials on June 25.
Today the vessel remains in the Western White Sea and was caught on the surface (no great surprise) by a passing Sentinel 2 satellite.
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Quick Guide To Angola's Navy
Many reference sources still list the Angolan Navy as having OSA-II Class missile boats and SHERSHEN class torpedo boats. These haven’t been around for over 20 years. Instead the Angolan Navy is going through a process of rebirth
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New Rare Image of Israel's 'Caesaron' Large Underwater Drone
The existence of the Caesaron autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and its capabilities, in broad terms, are known. But the vehicle is very camera shy. A photo has now emerged showing it being transported.
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Iran Appears To Have Western Pluto Plus Underwater Vehicle
The words Made in Iran written on the side of the underwater vehicle may be misleading. Photos from the commissioning ceremony of the Iranian Navy’s mine warfare vessel, Shahin, shows an interesting Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV).
It is a very strong physical match for the Pluto Plus ROV.
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Going Coastal: Image Shows Chinese Navy Still Investing In Fixed Defenses
We can be forgiven for thinking that fixed coastal defense positions are going out of fashion. This is true of China as well as other countries.
However, there is always an exception to the rule. There is a defense site, commanding the Yellow Sea and approaches to the Bohai Sea, which is very recent.
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New Images Of Chinese Navy's Latest Type-039C Yuan Class Submarine
A clearer video has emerged of the new model of Type-039A ‘Yuan’ family submarines. Provisionally known as the Type-039C, the new design is likely to be significant, a major upgrade to an already competitive design.
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Survey Warfare: 3 Chinese Ships Of Interest In The South China Sea
Chinese ships, of various types and capabilities, have been surveying the South China Sea. Regardless of the individual ship or organization, these activities may have either military and civilian motives.
During the last couple of years three vessels have performed particularly interesting surveys.
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Covert Shores Guide: World Navy's Rail Gun Projects
With the US Navy’s recent step-back from putting Electromagnetic Railguns (EMRG) on warships raises questions on the much vaunted technology.
However the US Navy was not alone in developing RailGun technology.
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OSINT on Iranian Ship Makran, Sailing To Venezuela
Frequent updates since publishing
OSINT. An Iranian Navy forward base ship, Makran, is believed to be transporting arms to Venezuela. I was able to break the story on USNI News. This piece complements that write up by providing a few additional OSINT elements for reference.
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World's First Rocket Armed Submarine, From 1834
Naval warfare was changed in the 1960s when the US Navy started deploying large rockets on submarines. Actually Russia, then USSR, beat them by several years. The first Russian ballistic missile submarines were sailing in the late 1950s.
But Russia beat them by much more than a few years. The first rocket-armed Russian submarine was in the 1830s.
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Australian Navy Eyes German Type-214 Submarine?
News that the Australian Navy may be exploring the idea of purchasing the German Type-214 submarines is surprising. They would replace the Collins class, instead of the French Shortfin Barracuda, which is already underway as the Attack Class. Quite aside from the political economic complications (I’ll leave that to others), the choice of submarine is confusing.
Possibly there is a misunderstanding.
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Covert Shores Guide To Mozambique Navy: New, Fast, and Stuck In The Mud
Mozambique has one of the most impressive fleets of any small navy. On paper. It is equipped with futuristic trimaran offshore patrol boats, robust interceptors and the world’s fastest military boat.
This article will provide an overview of their vessel types.
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Iran Copies' Russian SPP-1M Underwater Pistol
Russia’s distinctive four-barrel SPP-1 underwater pistol was introduced into service in 1971. Its relative compactness, simplicity and robustness make it still relevant today.
So it is perhaps no surprise that Iran has copied it.
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Unique Pedal Powered Smuggling Submarine
When I write about smuggling submarines, it is normally about the Narco Subs found in Latin America. But there are other places were there were, or have been, circumstances to cause smugglers to use similar devices.
Switzerland also has its fair share of smuggling history.
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The Imperial Japanese Army's Sneaky Troop Transport Submarine
The vulnerability of landing craft is a hot topic for amphibious forces around the world. So Navies and Marines are looking to ways to make their landing craft more survivable, and using submarines is not a daft idea.
Faced with a similar problem in World war Two, the Japanese Army (not navy) built dedicated transport submarines.
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Pioneering Extra-Large UUV: The Royal Navy's Manta
Updated: Oroginally posted March 18, 2020
As a first step the Royal Navy recently announced the contract for the Manta XLUUV (Extra-large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle). Ultimately the Royal Navy envisions very large UUVs taking on armed combat roles…
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Switzerland’s Remarkable ‘Navy’: A Covert Shores Guide
Land-locked countries sometimes have particularly interesting navies. Or boat equipped Army units. Characterized by heavily armed neutrality, the postwar Swiss military has an extremely high standard of equipment.
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Qatar Navy's New Submarine - About M23 SRL
Slowly, more information about the submarines being built in Italy for the Qatari Emiri Navy (QEN) are coming out. The EUR 190 million deal is for two submarines plus a training system.
It has emerged that GSE are the builder, under a spin-off company called M23 SRL.
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New Variant Of China's Yuan Class Submarine, Possible Type-039C
A candid photograph, taken from a moving vehicle on a bridge, shows the submarine on the slipway at Wuchang shipyard in Wuhan.
I have not yet been able to corroborate the image with other public sources, so caution is needed. However, Google Earth satellite imagery does show three submarine hull sections in the latest (February 2021) imagery.
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US Navy's Low Visibility Craft (LVC)
Imagine a little-talked about military unit made up of U.S. Navy SEALs, Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) divers and U.S. Marine Corps Force Recon guys. Give them trained Navy dolphins, and ask task them with developing new tactics.
And the unique Low Visibility Craft they came up with is particularly interesting.
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Possible New Information On Russia's Mysterious 'Cephalopod' AUV
Possible New Information On Russia's Mysterious 'Cephalopod' Armed AUV
Russian submarine design bureau Rubin has been targeted by suspected Chinese state hackers. The alleged attack was made via a malware loaded Word document, which was emailed to Rubin’s Director General, Igor V. Vilnit.
The story is interesting, but the image used in the attack is particularly interesting. It appears to show the little-known armed AUV ‘Cephalopod’.
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French Navy Suffren Class Submarine
French Navy Suffren Class (Barracuda) Submarine
As naval threats go, nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) are the apex predators. The new Suffren Class will bring France’s SSNs closer to their British and American allies boats in overall capabilities.
6 of these submarines will form the backbone of the French Navy (Marine Nationale).
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Indonesia's KSM-32 Submarine Design
Indonesian Navy's KSM 32 Midget Submarine
The KSM-32 (Kapal Selam Mini) is an indigenous midget submarine design from Indonesia.
midget submarines represent a natural first step for a country building its indigenous submarine building capabilities. Indonesia is already locally producing the South Korean Type-209/1400 Chang Bogo-class, known locally as the Nagapasa-class. Midget submarines would be quicker, cheaper and lower risk than entering into a full-sized indigenous program.
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Russias New Submarine Belgorod Out Of The Water
Updated with new photo. Originally posted April 30th.
<h1>Russia’s New Submarine Belgorod Out Of The Water</h1>
The Russian Navy’s new special mission submarine, K-329 Belgorod, has returned to the construction hall. The submarine is expected to start sea trials soon so this may be a temporary measure to inspect the hull.
Or it may indicate a larger problem…
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DRASS DG-900 Compact Submarine
Drass DG-900 Compact Submarine
There is renewed attention on Italy’s tradition of midget submarine design and construction. Qatar has ordered two subs from an unreported Italian midget submarine manufacturer. One of the possible firms is Drass.
The DG-900 represents the most capable design in the current range.
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DRASS Submarines
Updated: New classes added. Originally posted 10th June 2017.
<h1>Drass SDVs and submarines</h1>
This article gives an overview of the Drass designs for Compact Submarines, Midget Submarines and Swimmer Delivery Vehicles.
The secrecy surrounding Italian Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) manufacture is legendary.
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New Photo Of Shahid Soleimani Class Catamaran
New Photo Of Shahid Soleimani Class Catamaran
OSINT. Iran has been expanding the little-known shipyard. The site, on Qeshm Island in the strait of Hormuz is constructing one of the three new catamaran missile corvettes for the IRGC.
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List-Of-Submarine-Accidents
Serious Submarine Accidents 2000 to 2021
The Indonesian submarine KRI Nanggala (402) is now believed to have sunk. While we hold out hope for survivors. Evidence found by the rescue effort confirms that it is sunk in 838 meters of water. Realistically there is now no expectation that any of the 53 persons aboard survived.
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Vanguard Class SSBN Conversion To Mother Submarine
Vanguard Class SSBN Conversion To Mother Submarine
The Royal Navy is exploring future scenarios which include mother submarines. These could act as the central node on a loose network of uncrewed underwater assets. These would launch UUVs (uncrewed underwater vehicles) to “Survey otherwise inaccessible areas”.
If the Vanguard Class SSBNs were repurposed for this as the Dreadnought Class enters service, what could it be like?
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China Discovers A US-Made Wave Glider Drone Off Their Coast
China Discovers A US-Made Wave Glider Drone Off Their Coast
State-controlled Chinese television channel China Central Television (CCTV) has aired a piece showing a Wave Glider.
The US designed uncrewed surface vessel (USV) can be used for both intelligence gathering and scientific research.
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New Warship At IRGC's Expanded Shipyard On The Strait Of Hormuz
New Warship At IRGC's Expanded Shipyard On The Strait Of Hormuz
OSINT. Iran has been expanding the little-known shipyard. The site, on Qeshm Island in the strait of Hormuz is constructing one of the three new catamaran missile corvettes for the IRGC.
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New Concept From Russia's Famous Rubin Design Bureau
**A Unique Submarine: New Concept From Russia's Famous Rubin Design Bureau**
Modern submarines are undoubtedly amongst the most powerful and effective warships to ever exist. And those offered by Russia’s famous Rubin Design Bureau are among the most capable.
What Rubin feels the world needs is a much more modest submarine. One which is particularly well suited to the types of missions that regular boats are too treasured for.
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Another Narco-Submarine Found In Colombian Jungle
**Another Narco-Submarine Found In Colombian Jungle**
This almost complete narcosub was found at a complex for the production of cocaine. The make-shift facility is believed to relate to the “Western Block Alfonso Cano” (Bloque Occidental Alfonso Cano).
Based on the limited photographs available the vessel is provisionally identified as a LPV-OM-VSV-8.
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Kalvari Class Submarine: The Scorpène's New Sting
**Kalvari Class Submarine: The Scorpène's New Sting**
The latest attack submarines to join the Indian Navy, the six Kalvari Class boats were ordered under the P-75 program. A derivative of the French Scorpène Class. they will soon differ in one significant way: they will be upgraded with Air Independent Power (AIP).
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Chinese-Sea-Hunter-USV-Update
**Lonely Child: China's Sea Hunter USV Copy Going Nowhere?**
This unidentified vessel is believed to be a mid-size USV (Uncrewed Surface Vessel). It closely resembles the U.S. Navy’s Sea Hunter USV.
Recent satellite imagery appears to show the vessel still at the site where it was built. This implies that it has not been trialed by the Chinese Navy.
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IRGC-Saviz-Update
**Attack On Iranian Forward Base Ship In Red Sea: What You Need To Know About Saviz**
Rumors and reports are circulating that the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) forward base ship, Saviz, has been attacked in the Red Sea. She may be involved in intelligence gathering, supporting Iranian forces supplying oil to Syria and general support of Houthi forces in Yemen.
This article provides a quick summation of information on the ship.
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North-Korea-Builds-Surface-Effect-Warship
**Alert: New Intelligence Shows North Korea Built Another Warship**
North Korea continues to build Surface-Effect-Ships (SES) for its navy despite the generally slow pace of surface ship construction. An unfinished SES has been moved to the outside of the ‘new’ construction hall at Nampo.
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Chinese-Maritime-Militia-At-Whitsun-Reef
**New OSINT Shows Changes At Whisun Reef**
The latest tide of OSINT (Open Source Intelligence) from the South China Sea shows that most of China’s fishing vessels have vacated Whitsun Reef. The presence of over two hundred fishing vessels had caused considerable concern in the region.
But caution is needed in drawing a strong conclusion at this stage.
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Chinese-Navy-Type-100-Sun-Tzu-Class-Submarine
**A Comment On The Fake Type-100 'Sun Tzu' Class submarine**
This ginormous 210m (690ft) long multi-hull submarine was created for an April Fools’ piece I penned for Naval News. In the tradition of these pranks it is not real, and was not meant to genuinely deceive. I am putting this article up so that, in future, if people find misinformation about this submarine they can easily get to the truth.
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China-Censors-Numbers-On-Planes
**OSINT: China Censors Numbers On Navy Plane**
Chinese media post some excellent photographs of Chinese Navy (PLAN) equipment. But one photo shoot of Y-8Q maritime patrol aircraft (MPAs) was digitally altered to hide the number. An eagle-eyed OSINT analyst spotted it.
This is only tangential to my normal focus but I thought it is interesting so hope you agree that it is worth sharing.
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Chinese-Navy-Type-927-Anti-Submarine-Sonar-Ship
**China Launches A New Long-Range Anti-Submarine Detection Ship**
There are a few capabilities which only a handful of navies have. Extremely long-range anti-submarine detection ships is one of them.
China has launched another Type-927 sound detection ship, the Chinese Navy (PLAN) equivalent to the US Navy’s SURTASS ships.
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Russian-Navy-Submarines-Surface-In-Artic
updated with fresh intelligence
**Spy Sub Among Russian Navy Submarines Which Surfaced In Artic**
The Russian Navy’s ICEEX, ‘* Umka-21 *’, is taking place in the Arctic. As part of the exercises, three nuclear submarines surfaced within 300m of each other. They surfaced in pre-marked locations. They were widely reported (including here!) as ballistic missile subs (SSBNs); the two DELTA-IVs and a single Borei-II (K-549 Knyaz Vladimir) were within 300m.
Actually one of the DELTAs was BS-64 Podmoskovye, a “special mission” submarine (read: spy sub).
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Russian-Navy-Belgorod-Submarines-Evolution
**Russian Navy Spy Submarine Belgorod: evolution of OSINT**
Information is very limited about the Russian Navy’s largest new submarine, the Project 09852 K-329 Belgorod (“Белгород”). Although analysts had been following her conversion to a special mission host submarine for GUGI (Russia’s ambiguously named main directorate of undersea research) since around 2010, it only came to the fore in November 2019.
Here is how the picture evolved…
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World-Submarines-Family-Tree-Poster
**World submarines Family Tree Now Available As Wall Poster**
The World Submarine Family Tree is now available as a poster on the Covert Shores store. This project is an attempt to map out which designs influenced which others. And from there which designs can be said to be the most influential submarines. This is a nuanced topic and the map is only intended as a starting point.
Why-European-Narco-Submarines-Are-Different
**Why the Narco Submarine Found In Europe Is Not Like Those In Latin America**
On March 21 2021 the Colombian Navy captured a narco submarine before it could sail with its illicit cargo of cocaine. The vessel was typical of this found in recent years, being characterized by its Very Slender Vessel (VSV) form.
This contrasts with one recently discovered in Southern Spain.
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New-Satellite-Image-Shows-Suez-Canal-Blocked
**Seen From Space: Suez Canal Blocked**
All eyes are on the container ship which blocked the Suez Canal. This includes the eyes in space. Sentinel 2 satellite imagery, taken today, gives a new perspective on the problem.
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10-Times-Navies-Have-Deliberately-Misdescribed-Warships
**10 Times Navies Have Deliberately Misdescribed A Warship**
Three Chinese warships recently passed northward through the Tsushima Strait toward the Sea of Japan. They are described as two destroyers and a frigate.
Except one of them, the Type-055 Renhai Class ship Nanchang, is better described as a cruiser. This type of misdescription is more common than you might realize.
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Russian-Navy-Base-In-Sudan
**Russia’s Increasing Global Reach: 2nd Navy Ship Calls At Port Sudan in Red Sea**
The strategic impact of Russia’s new base in Port Sudan, Sudan, may take years to fully appreciate. And the overseas base has yet to be built. But in the meantime Russian warships are already increasingly using the port. Recently the RFS Stoikiy (545), an Pr.20380 Steregushchiy class corvette, called at the port.
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British-SSN20-W-Class-And-B2-TC-Submarines
**The Astute Journey: Unbuilt British Submarine Designs After The Trafalgar Class**
Today the Astute is one of the most impressive, and recognizable, attack submarines afloat.
This article will lay out the unbuilt submarine designs which plot the story from the Trafalgar Class to the Astute class..
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Irans-Fake-Carrier-Sinks-Properly
**Goodbye My Old Friend: Iran's Fake Aircraft Carrier Sinks, Properly, At Last**
There is something tragic about watching an over-enthusiastic actor wallow in their stage death. Running it out for longer than the audience can bear to watch.
It’s all over. Finally(?).
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Chinese-Submarines-Seen-At-Wuchang
**China's Submarine Modernization Continues: 2 Submarines Seen Outside New Shipyard**
Following on from my previous analysis for Naval News, multiple Type-039A/B Yuan Class submarines are being built at the Wuchang shipyard outside Wuhan. This can now be clearly evidenced using commercial satellite imagery.
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Narco-Submarine-Found-In-Spain
**Disguised Narco Submarine Found In Europe**
Police in Malaga, Spain have reported that they have discovered a narco-submarine aboard a ship. It is the fourth so-called narco submarine found in Europe in the last 15 years…
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Indian-Navy-DRDO-AIP-Submarines
**Indian Navy Submarines Move Closer To AIP Game Changer**
Air Independent Power (AIP) greatly increases the survivability of non-nuclear submarines by increasing their underwater endurance. The Indian Navy, unlike its potential adversaries of China and Pakistan has not yet fielded AIP.
But it is moving closer with a locally-designed fuel cell AIP system…
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Pr617_AIP_submarine
Updated: originally posted Feb 5, 2017
**Soviet Russia's forgotten high-speed AIP submarine** When in May 1958 CIA intelligence analysts poured over a set of spy photographs of Soviet submarine construction they noticed that one submarine was different to the rest. They soon realized that they were dealing with an entirely new class of submarine.
What was undetectable in the photo was that it was equipped with Air Independent Propulsion (AIP)… Read More
World-Submarine-Family-Tree
**UPDATED - version 2.3**
**World Submarines Family Tree**
I would like to share this resource I built as part of my research into submarine design history. I am trying to make map out which designs influenced which others, and from there which designs can be said to be the most influential submarines.
This is a nuanced topic and the map is only intended as a starting point…
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Chinese-Navys-Base-Yulin-Mar-21
**Incredible New Google Earth Images Of Chinese Nuclear Submarines**
The latest high-resolution satellite imagery of Yulin on Hainan, South China Sea, shows 7 submarines. One of the boats, a Type-09IV Jin Class SSBN, has some of its missile doors open. Tents are covering some of the open hatches.
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OSINT-Catches-Submarine-Exercise
**OSINT Crosshairs: Satellite Catches Submarine Photo Op**
During NATO’s Dynamic Manta exercise in the Mediterranean last month a German Navy P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft conducted an anti-submarine exercise with an Italian Navy Type-212A Todaro Class submarine.
But the Marineflieger were not the only ones watching…
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5-most-influential-submarine-designs-ever
**5 Most Influential Submarine Designs Ever**
These five submarines can easily be argued to have been the most important in overall terms.
Not the Surcouf, I-400, Alfa Class, USS Jimmy Carter or the mighty Typhoon.
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Russian-Sarma-UUV
**Russia's New Deep-Diving Drone Submarine with AIP**
Russia’s FPI (Advanced Research Foundation) recently revealed some details of a new uncrewed underwater vehicle (UUV) called Sarma. Although few details have emerged the associated graphic indicates a craft approximately in the Large-Displacement UUV category (LDUUV).
The mode of AIP is unclear but fuel cells seems the most likely…
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UAE-ArmaCraft-Trident-Submarines
**New Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) From UAE**
UAE (/Sweden) based Arma-Craft have reportedly signed a substantial order for its new Trident SDVs.
The exact model of craft and Foreign Navy customer have not been released.
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How-Large-Is-The-Typhoon-Class-Submarine
**The Typhoon Class Submarine Is Big. But** *How* **Big?**
The iconic Pr.971 ‘Akula’ (NATO: TYPHOON Class) submarine is the largest ever built. It’s overall dimensions are much more than any other submarine (although a few Russian types are longer). They are easy to find..
But in case you find it difficult to picture just how big that is I made this quick graphic.
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Artwork-Walrus-Class-Submarine
**New Artwork Collaboration: Walrus Class Submarine**
As a collaboration with 800Tonnes Naval Art, we illustrated a cutaway of the Royal Netherlands Navy Walrus Class submarine.
800Tonnes did the outer hull, and I drew in the innards…
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Geolocation-Of-Thai-Navy-Submarine-In-China
**Geo-location Of Thai Navy Submarine in China**
China’s new Wuchang Shipyard is pumping out Yuan Class AIP submarines (SSP). While I will not share all of the sources, there is some collaborating evidence which is easily accessible…
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Iranian-IRGC-Fake-Carrier-Update
**Wreck Of Iran's Fake Aircraft Carrier - update**
The sorry saga of IRGC’s (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) fake aircraft carrier continues. The wreck, next to the entrance of Bandar Abbas Navy Base, recently began to break up.
Now it appears to either be being cleared, or to have lost large chunks…
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Type-XXI-U-Boat-of-World-War-Two
**New Cutaway of Gernan Type-XXI Submarine**
The Kriegsmarine’s Type-XX1 U-boat, known as the Elektroboote’, is rightly considered the most advanced submarine of World War Two.
It was planned to be fitted with an upward firing anti-ship rocket system…
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Chinese-Navys-First-Advanced-Submarine-Type-032
**China's 'American' Submarine (That You Have Not Heard Of)**
The Type-032 submarine is the largest non-nuclear submarine in the world. It is less well documented than many other classes, but it is not unknown. But there was another submarine design called Type-032 in 1958, and it was to have been one of the most advanced submarines built.
A single test submarine was built. That has long since been scrapped and the whole project is virtually unknown outside China.
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Iran-IRGC-Navy-Get-340-New-Boats
**Iran Shows Off 340 Boats Including New 'Bladerunner'**
Iran’s IRGC-N (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Navy) has held a ceremony for the induction of 340 new vessels.
Several of the vessels are particularly interesting.
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Royal-Navy-Trafalgar-Class-Submarine
**New Cutaway of Royal Navy's Trafalgar Class Submarine**
The Trafalgar Class are the final Cold War era Royal Navy attack submarines. Thoroughly upgraded throughout their lives, three remain in service. Still in the top tier of submarines…
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China-launches-3rd-Type-075-Carrier
**3rd Type-075 Assault Carrier For Chinese Navy**
In the past two years The Chinese Navy (PLAN) has added Amphibious Assault Carriers (Landing Helicopter Docks - LPD) to its inventory. Today it launched the 3rd of these ginormous warships…
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Delfin-Class-Submarine
Updated. Originally posted Oct 10 2016 and Feb 27 2020.
**Delfin Class: The Cuban Navy's Only Submarine** 
Cuba maintains a shroud of secrecy around its sole active submarine. However OSINT continues to emerge and I now feel that we know enough to create a cutaway. Caveats apply…
Read More >….
David-Class-Confederate-Torpedo
**The Rebel Ram Of The Civil War: David Class Semi-Submarine**
The David Class is a semi-submersible torpedo ram developed by the Confederates during the American Civil War. It was conceived to defend Charleston, South Carolina, from Union blockade ships…
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Object-found-on-Indonesian-beach
**Another Suspected-Chinese device found in Indonesia**
The tales of “missile like” objects washing up in Indonesia continue. Just a couple of weeks after the forth Chinese-made Sea Wing underwater glider turned up in Indonesian territorial waters, another China-linked device has turned up on a beach in the country.
This object isn’t a Sea Wing however…
Read More >….
OSINT-Iranian-IRGC-Fake-Carrier-Breaking-Apart
**OSINT Curiosity: Wreck Of Iran's Fake Aircraft Carrier Is Breaking Apart**
The IRGC’s (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) fake aircraft carrier, built as a target for war games, is now breaking apart…
Read More >….
Chinese-Seismic-Surbey-Ship-HYSY760
**Chinese Seismic Survey Ship Off North America - OSINT**
The HAI YANG SHI YOU 760 is a seismic survey ship operated by the China Oilfield Services Limited (COSL).
In 2019 she spent several months surveying the North Atlantic off Newfoundland, Canada…
Read More >….
North-Korean-Navy-SLBM-Pukguksong-5
**New North Korean Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile**
North Korea paraded yet another iteration of its Pukguksong (Polaris / Pole Star: 북극성) family of Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs).
Read More >….
North-Korean-Navy-Nuclear-Submarine
**Hermit Kingdom Plans Nuclear Powered Submarine**
Kim Jong Un has said that plans for an indigenous nuclear-powered submarine are almost complete. It is a bold ambition for a country whose submarines are decades behind cutting edge.
But it should be taken seriously…
Read More >….
Chinese-Sea-Wing-Submarine-Drone
Updated. Originally posted 2020-12-30
**Chinese Sea Wing (Haiyi) ocean glider**
A UUV found by Indonesian fishermen on December 20 was a Chinese made Sea Wing glider…
Read More >….
Hankuk-Chemi-Seized-Tanker-In-Iran
**Location of Tanker seized by IRGC In Strait Of Hormuz**
A satellite overpass today has made it possible to provisionally identify the anchor location of the tanker seized by Iran on January 4.
The South Korean Hankuk Chemi (IMO: 9232369) was boarded by the IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp) by small boat and helicopter…
Read More >….
First-Narco-Submarine-of-2021
**First 'Narco Submarine' Incident of 2021**
The Mexican Navy has made the first reported Narco submarine interdiction of the year.
Last year saw over 20 of the so-called “narco submarines”. This incident shows that they aren’t going away…
Read More >….
Iranian-Navy-Surface-Effect-Ship-Saba
**Mystery Surface-Effect-Ship (SES) In Iran Identified**
A surface-effect-ship (SES) seen in overhead imagery of Shahid Darvish yard near Bandar Abbas (reported first in Naval News) has been provisionally identified. Its size, form, timing and location match a new minesweeper (or possibly a minehunter) project for the Iranian Navy. …
Read More >….
Israeli-Navy-Dolphin-Submarine-In-Red-Sea
**Israeli Submarine In Rare Deployment South Of Suez**
An Israeli Navy Dolphin-II Class submarine has pulled in to Eilat, Israel’s only Red Sea port. This is significant as it allows the Israeli Navy to deploy the submarine to the Red Sea, Indian Ocean or even Persian Gulf without first having to go through the Suez Canal…
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Iranian-IRGC-Navy-Preparing
**IRGC Seen Practicing Swarm Tactics Day Before South Korean Tanker Seizure**
Iran’s IRGC Navy (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) has seized a South Korean chemical tanker, the HANKUK CHEMI (IMO: 9232369). The day before, on Jan 3 2020, boats which appear to be IRGC-N were seen exercising swarm tactics…
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Limpet-Mine-Attack-On-Tanker-Pola
**Limpet Mine Attack on Tanker, Pola, Dec 31, 2020**
On December 31, 2020, a limpet mine was found on the Liberian flagged tanker MT Pola (IMO: 9493767). The ship was at anchor in Iraq and was transhipping oil to another tanker, MT Nordic Freedom…
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Iranian-Navy-Mowj-Class
**Iran's latest Mowj Class warship: IRIS Dena**
Although it has barely been reported in English language sources, the Iranian Navy has taken delivery of another Mowj class frigate…
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Cutaway-of-1913-Submarine-Patent
**Impressive Submarine Patent of 1913**
When Edward Lasius Peacock patented a “Submarine Or Submersible Torpedo Boat” he was outlining one of the most impressive submarine designs of the period…
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200th-Narco-Submarine-in-Covert-Shores-Database
**200th 'Narco Submarine'**
On December 9 the Coast Guard Cutter Active (WMEC 618) interdicted a low-profile vessel (LPV) in the Eastern Pacific.
It is the 200th incident in my Covert Shores Narco Submarines database…
Read More >….
Irans-Navy-New-Ship-Makran-On-Sea-Trials
**Iranian Navy's largest Ship, I.R.I.N.S Makran, Observed On Sea Trials**
The Iranian Navy is joining the IRGC in converting large merchant ships to function as Forward Base Ships.
From at least December 9-14 the I.R.I.N.S. Makran (441) was on sea trials in the general vicinity of the Straits of Hormuz..
Read More >….
Indian-Navy-Coastal-Submarine
**Images Show Design For Indian Navy Indigenous Coastal Submarine**
A short video shared on Twitter appears to show a new indigenous submarine design for the Indian Navy…
Read More >….
Narco-Submarine-Intercepted-By-US-Navy
**Cutaway of Narco VSV interdicted by US Navy LCS**
The USS Gabrielle Giffords, an Independence-class littoral combat ship (LCS) interdicted a narco-submarine in the Pacific Ocean on December 5.
The cutaway shows the internal arrangement of this specific type of narco-VSV….
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Chinese-Navy-Type-093-Shang-Class-Submarine
Updated. Originally posted June 21 2020
**Chinese Type-093 (Type-09III) Class Submarine** The Type-09III is China’s main nuclear-powered attack submarine. There has been a lot of speculation and guesswork as analysts have attempted to make sense of each updated version….
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Chinese-Navy-Type-003-Aircraft-Carrier-2020-12
**Fresh images of Chinese Navy (PLAN) Type-003 Aircraft Carrier**
The new aircraft carrier is expected to be much more capable than the current two ships…
Read More >….
Chinese-Navy-Indian-Ocean-Base-As-USN-Reestablishes-1st-Fleet
**Chinese Navy Visited Key Indian Ocean Base As U.S. Navy Talks of Re-forming 1st Fleet**
On November 17 U.S. Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite called for the Navy to establish a fleet covering the Indian Ocean and South China Sea.
The same day, a Chinese warship was calling at Djibouti…
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Russian SIERRA Class Titanium-hulled attack sub
**SIERRA-I Class Submarine**
UPDATED
It takes a certain confidence to name a submarine after the Barracuda. It has to be fast and it has to have a bite. Built towards the end of the Cold War when the Soviets had finally started producing truly quiet submarines, the Project 945 SIERRA-I Class were amongst the most potent in the modern Russian fleet.
Read More >….
Iranian-Forward-Base-Ships
**New OSINT: Iran Launches Another Forward Base Ship, I.R.I.N.S Makran**
Less than two weeks after the IRGC-N revealed their first overt Forward Base ship Shahid Roudaki (the Saviz is undeclared), the Iranian Navy appears to be in the process of launching its own.
And it is much larger than the IRGC ship.
Read More >….
New-Merch-Low-Key-T-Shirt
**New Merchandize: Discrete Covert Shores T-Shirt**
By request, I have added a low-key T-Shirt to the range. It features the new Covert Shores submarine logo (designed by d-atis (Twitter)), and is available in several colors.
Other T-shirts include the classic Typhoon, and new Narco-Submarine ones.
Submarines-We-Do-Not-Know-The-Name-Of
**4 Submarines Which Are So Secret, We Do Not Know Their Name**
Submarines are shrouded in secrecy. But their mere existence is hard to keep under wraps.
Yet here are four submarines, currently out there in the oceans of the world, whose development has been so secret that we do not even know their name.
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Utah-Mystery-Monolith
Offtopic: **Mystery Monolith In Desert has been there 4 years**
This is off topic, but like many people I found reports of a mysterious monolith a welcome distraction.
It has been geolocated…
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OSINT-Chinese-Radar-Site-Naozhou-Dao
**OSINT Crosshairs: Pinpointing a Radar Transmitter in China**
Following on from the article on some radar transmissions being visible on some satellite imagery, here is a quick worked example.
The interference is a a right-angle to the path of the satellite, running directly across the image. So we know that the transmitter is somewhere along the line of the interference. And if the satellite passes overhead on different flightpaths, where the two lines cross is the source…
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Iranian-IRGC-Forward-Base-Shahid-Roudaki
**The IRGC's Newest And Most Powerful Warship: A Balanced Look **
The IRGC (Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps) has a reputation for hyperbolic military claims. Their latest ship, the Shahid Roudaki, was inducted into service with a media fanfare.
But there are quesations.
..
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Jiangnan-Shipyard-China-Update
**New Imagery Shows Ginormous Warship Construction, China**
Google Earth has updated its imagery of Shanghai, providing clear images of Jiangnan shipyard. This is where the Type-003 aircraft carrier is being built.
But it is also where the enigmatic sailless submarine is…
Read More >….
Khabarovsk-Class-Submarine
**New in Russia: Khabarovsk Class Submarine**
The Russian Navy is quietly building a fleet of these submarines. The first dedicated Poseidon boat, Khabarovsk, is expected to enter the water next year….
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Borei-A
Updated. Originally posted 17th Nov. 2017 and 5th December 2017
**Russia's pr.955A Borei-II Class SSBN** The improved Pr.0955A (aka 09552) Borei-A variant which will form the backbone of Russia’s at-sea nuclear deterrent… Read More >….
OSINT-Radar-Affecting-SAR-Satellite-Images
OSINT
**Northern Lights:** Radar Affecting SAR Satellite Images
As the arctic winter sets in over the Barents Sea, a Russian radar is switched on.
You may think that we cannot sea radar waves. But thanks to an unusual effect, it is lighting up the darkness…
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Manta-U-Boat-of-World-War-Two
Updated, Originally published Jan 28, 2020
**Manta** Untersee-Gleitflächen-Schnellboot
As the situation in Europe worsened for Nazi Germany during World War Two, the Kriegsmarine turned to ever more desperate ideas.
Possibly the most ambitious was the Manta…
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World-Submarine-Ranking-Length
**Submarine Rankings: The World's Longest Submarines**
The largest submarine in the world is the mighty TYPHOON Class, built by the Soviet Union and one of the ultimate Cold War weapons.
But it is not the longest…..
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Narco-Submarine-2020-11-06
**Rare Fully-Submersible Narco Submarine Captured**
The Colombian Navy has captured yet another narco-submarine on November 5, but this one was unusual…
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Russian-Navy-Zircon-Hypersonic-Missile-Questions
**Russia's Much Vaunted Zircon Hypersonic Missile Launch: Not All It Seems?**
In the race to field hypersonics, Russia is forging ahead by rolling out the 3M22 Zircon missile to its Navy.
But there is a catch…
Read More >….
Chinese-Navy-Submarine-OSINT
**Satellite Image of Chinese Navy Submarine in South China Sea**
At around 11:20 local time on November 3 a Type-094 Jin Class ballistic missile submarine left its base in Yulin, China. It was heading out into the South China Sea, where these submarines perform their nuclear deterrence patrols.
Such things are considered secret in China. Yet as it did so, a satellite passed overhead, capturing this fleeting activity…
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Chinese-Navy-Submarine=Construction-Bohai
**Probable First Image Of New Nuclear Submarine Under Construction In China**
New commercial satellite images, taken on November 2, appear to show a large submarine hull section at the Bohai Shipyard. I have been waiting for exactly this….
Read More >….
Russian-Navy-Warships-Off-Scotland
**Russian Navy Warships Seen Loitering Off RAF Lossiemouth, Scotland** A pair of Russian Navy ships, believed to include a Udaloy Class destroyer have taken up position off the Scottish coast. The ships are around 25 nautical miles from the major air base at RAF Lossiemouth….. 
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Narco-Submarine-2020-10-27
**Colombian Navy Stops A Heavily Ladened Narco Submarine In Eastern Pacific**
The Colombian Navy has seized another narco-submarine in the Eastern Pacific on October 27. The low profile vessel (LPV) was carrying more than two tons of cocaine… 
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World-Submarine-Ranking-Weapons-Load
**World Submarine Rankings: Weapons Load**
The more torpedoes and missiles a submarine carries, the more targets it can attack…..
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Russia-World-War-Two-Midget-Submarines
Guest article by C. Edward Davis
**Stalin's Robot submarines** Few history enthusiasts are aware that the Soviet Union was also engaged in midget submarine development during World War Two….
Read More >….
Iranian-Fake-Aircraft-Carrier-Wreck
**Update: Wreck of Iran's Fake Aircraft Carrier Moves Again**
Iran’s fake aircraft carrier which sunk off Bandar Abbas near Strait of Hormuz at the end of July, has moved again(!)… 
Read More
North-Korea-Pukguksong-SLBM
Updated, originally posted on Oct 10, 2020
**North Korea Reveals New SLBM: Pukguksong-4** The Pukguksong-4 (“북극성-4ㅅ”) will presumably be carried by the North Korean Navy’s ROMEO-MOD submarines…
Read More >….
Update-on-Russian-Navy-Pr949AM-Modernized-OSCAR-II
**Upgraded OSCAR-II Submarines May Not Have Latest Missiles**
The Russian Navy’s upgraded Pr.949AM OSCAR-II Class submarine Orel test fired a cruise missile in the Barents Sea today. Significantly, it was a P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 SHIPWRECK) missile. 24 of these massive supersonic missiles constituted the original primary weapon fit of the class. This suggests that despite being upgraded to ‘AM’ standard, Orel has not had the new cruise missile armament fitted…
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North-Korea-Parade-Preperations-Satellite-Image
**North Korean Parade: Interesting Satellite-Image**
We’ve all seen the parade with its new tanks, artillery, ICBMs and possibly the Pukguksong-4 SLBM. I ordered this high-resolution Airbus satellite image in the hope of catching certain objects. I missed, but the image is so fascinating I am sharing it here. I have left it unannotated so that you can enjoy exploring. .. 
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Russian-Navy-Base-in-Tartus-Syria
**Russia's Defended Submarine Base In The Med: Tartus, Syria**
Since Russia’s intervention in the war in Syria their Mediterranean naval squadron has been reestablished. In the future it may have a base in Libya, but for the moment its only base is in Tartus in Syria…
Read More >….
US-Navy-Submarine-Diego-Garcia-Indian-Ocean
**US Navy Submarine Seen At Diego Garcia, Indian Ocean**
In late September 2020 a US Navy submarine, USS Georgia (SSGN 729), called at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean…
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Articles-for-NavalNews-Oct-2020
**Recent articles for Naval News**
Pakistan’s New Type-039B AIP Submarines: Image Shows Shipyard Expansion
New construction halls and dry dock in Karachi are taking shape. Although official details are scarce, we understand that the new site will be for the local construction of Type-039B AIP submarines for the Pakistan Navy.
READ MORE
Unusual Submarine Likely To Increase Threat From North Korea
The World’s only operational conventionally powered ballistic missile submarine (SSB) may soon emerge in North Korea…
READ MORE
New Intelligence: Chinese Copy Of US Navy’s Sea Hunter USV
A candid photograph posted on Chinese social media sheds light on a Chinese project to develop a drone-ship similar to the U.S. Navy’s Sea Hunter. The trimaran is remarkably similar to the Sea Hunter in almost every respect…
READ MORE
Israeli-Navy-Dolphin-Class-Submarine-with-Special-Forces-Hangar
**Image reveals Shayetet-13's submarine hangar**
A photo published in several Israeli news outlets may reveal one of Shayetet-13’s previously unreported capability…
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Iranian-Navy-Next-Submarine
**Besat Class: Iran’s next indigenous submarine?**
The Iranian Navy has reportedly working on a major project to build a “giant submarines” for many years…. 
Read More
Chinese-Navy-Sea-Hunter-USV
**New evidence of China's Copy of U.S. Navy Sea Hunter USV**
The US Navy’s Sea Hunter drone may have lost the crown of the largest Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV). A photo posted on Wiebo shows the Chinese equivalent, which is similar in almost every respect…. 
Read More
Chinese-Type-928D-Assault-Boat
**China's New Assault Boat: Type-928D**
The Type-092D assault boat has been in the news because it has been deployed by China to Pangong Lake on the China-India border. … 
Read More
Fateh-Class_Submarine
Updated with cutaway. Originally posted 8th Dec 2016
**Iranian Navy's Fateh Class Submarine explained** The Fateh Class legitimately places Iran in the list of sub building nations. Iran’s submarine building program has come of age. … 
Read More
Future-Submarine-2040
**What a submarine might look like in 20 years time**
A driving force will be to increase the number of weapons a future submarine can carry, as well as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs, aka UUVs or simply ‘drones’)…
Read More >….
Articles_for_Forbes_2020-09-09
**Recent Articles for Forbes**
Underwater warfare and similar OSINT / defence analysis topics to a wider audience…
Read More >….
Mystery-Possible-Russian-submarine-off-Norway
**Russian TYPHOON class Submarine off Norway**
(Unconfirmed) The Russian Navy replenishment oiler Akademik Pashin has arrived in the Mediterranean. She is on AIS. Frank Bottema noticed something which appears to contradict the AIS however…
Read More >….
Russian-Navy-Ekranoplan-WIG
**Lun Class Ekranoplan & related WIG**
The Pr.903 Lun Class WIG (Wings In Ground Effect vehicle) was a unique naval weapon. It was one of the most distinctive, and least understood, naval weapons in Russian Navy’s line up…
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Narco-Aircraft-101
**Narco Planes 101**
On July 2, law enforcement officials found a Gulfstream II business jet abandoned on a clandestine runway in Southern Mexico. Then on July 5 a BAe-125-700A business jet landed on a highway in Southern Mexico, and was set on fire. Its occupants, and the drugs it was carrying, were gone…
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Covert-Shores-merchandise
**New: Covert Shores merchandise**
Due to popular demand, there is now a range of Covert Shores merchandise available. I’ll add more as I figure out what people want and what’s possible. Hopefully it will help cover the costs of running the site. …
Read More >….
Russian-Navy-Submarine-Belgorod-Update
**Belgorod: Russia's super-submarine update**
On July 26, Russia’s Navy Day, President Putin stated that the RuN will receive “underwater nuclear drones”…
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Russian-Navy-Kola-Peninsula-OSINT
**OSINT: Russian Navy Movements in Kola Peninsula, July 2020**
A collage of Sentinel satellite (Sentinel hub) imagery of the Russian Northern Fleet in the Kola Peninsula…
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Canadian-Cold-War-Theseus-AUV
**Theseus AUV**
During the Cold War, NATO believed that Russian submarines were using the ice cap in the Canadian Arctic as cover to covertly move between the Atlantic and Pacific. So the U.S. and Canada placed a special sonar network there, deep under the ice. Canadian engineers had to build the world’s largest autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV), Theseus, to lay a cable where ships could not reach…
Read More >….
Pakistani-SEALs-X-Craft-Midget-Submarine
**New OSINT: Mystery Submarine In Service With Pakistan’s Navy SEALs**
An official video of the Passing Out Parade of the latest Pakistan Navy SEAL Course provides fresh OSINT on Pakistan’s unreported midget submarine. ..
Read More >….
Iranian Nazir-1 XLUUV submarine drone
**Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) XLUUV**
Iran has revealed its first large Uncrewed Underwater Vehicle (UUV). Once developed this will add a new dimension to Iran’s systematic warfare capability. It will also mean that Iran joins an elite club with only the U.S. Navy and Britain’s Royal Navy having such large UUVs…
Read More >….
Articles_for_Forbes_2020-07-10
**Recent Articles for Forbes**
Underwater warfare and similar OSINT / defence analysis topics to a wider audience…
Read More >….
Unidentified-Wave-Glider-off-USA-Coast
**Unidentified Wave Glider seen off U.S. Coast**
A photo has been shared on Instagram asking ‘what is this?’ Well, it is a version of the Wave Glider with a previously unseen aerial attached…
Update: Since posting, the antenna has been identified as the SeaWatch system from Thayer Mahan.
Read More >….
Russian-Navy-In-Tartus-Syria
**Russian Navy deployed Marine Mammals to Defend Base in Syria**
The Russian Navy deployed marine mammals to Tartus in Syria during September-December 2018. The animals, most likely seals, were positioned next to the harbor defense units.. Read More >….
U212-AIP-Submarine
Update: Originally posted Apr 25 2020
**Stealth & sophistication: Type-212 submarine** The Type-212 class has a reputation for sophistication, largely thanks to its first-use of Fuel Cell AIP (Air Independent Power). It is considered the elite model in the German submarine design list, above the later Type-214 and Type-218 products. The design is interesting in a number of ways. …
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Submarine-Tunnels
Covert Shores World Guide to
**Naval Tunnels to Hide & Protect Submarines** 
There are a surprising number of tunnels built to protect submarines (and/or warships) from surprise attack. Today the main users are China, North Korea and,… Sweden. But there are many other examples around the world, sometimes disused, sometimes so secret that they remain unconfirmed… 
Read More >….
German-WW1-Type-UC-1-U-Boat
**Forgotten Super-Weapon of WW1: Type UC-1 Uboat**
Mine laying submarines are largely forgotten in spite of being one of the most successful weapons of the war. This article will focus on the first German type, the UC-1 Class. It was an elegant, innovative and effective design…. 
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Chinese-Navy-CV-003-Aircraft-Carrier-progress
**IMINT shows progress on Chinese CV-003 carrier**
Image analysis of China’s 3rd aircraft carrier should steady preparations towards launch…
Read More >….
Italy-COMSUBIN-SDVs
**COMSUBIN reveal underwater vehicles**
Finally, COMSUBIN has shared high quality imagery of some of their historic underwater vehicles…
Read More >….
Nordenfelt-submarines
Upated Covert Shores Guide to
**Nordenfelt steam submarines (1880s)** 
The Nordenfelt submarines of the 1880s are an underappreciated part of submarine history. They were midway between the human powered submarines of the American Civil War and the gasoline and diesel boats of the 1900s. Much of their technology was ground (sea) breaking…
Read More >….
LTTE-Tamil-Tigers-large-semi-submarine
**The LTTE "narco submarine"**
This large low profile vessel (LPV, aka semi-submersible) which appears to be designed for cargo. In many respects the craft is similar to the “narco submarines” used by Colombian cartels….
Read More >….
Iran-deploys-Missiles-and-MLRS
**Iran deploys MLRS and anti-ship missiles to Strait of Hormuz**
Videos are emerging of Iranian rocket and missile systems lined up along beaches, apparently to cover the Strait of Hormuz. They appear to show an assortment of systems including Fajr-5, Fajr-3 MLRS and a Khatam-5 anti-ship missile launcher…
Read More >….
Narco Subs 101
Covert Shores Guide - updated
**Narco submarines**
Nacro submarines are increasingly sophisticated. This article lays out the main categories and give examples.Read More >….
Covert-Shores-Narco-Submarines-Book
**OUT NOW**
**Narco Submarines**
Covert Shores Recognition Guide
Narco Submarines provides a go-to guide to the low-profile vessels used to smuggle narcotics in Latin America and across the Atlantic.
Based on 10 years of research of over 180 reported incidents (1990s-present), this book presents a practical quick reference guide. It includes a detailed taxonomy, type overviews, cutaways, recognition images, photos and profiles.
Available on Amazon
Guide-to-heavyweight-533mm-torpedoes
Covert Shores Guide
**World Heavyweight Torpedoes**
!
This article will cover contemporary heavyweight (533mm / 21”) torpedoes. 
Read More >….
Articles_for_Forbes_2020-03-15
**Recent Articles for Forbes**
Underwater warfare and similar OSINT / defence analysis topics to a wider audience…
Read More >….
Captured-UUV-in-Pyongyang-North-Korea
Updated
**NMRS Underwater Drone in North Korea** An often misunderstood object on display next to the USS Pueblo in Pyongyang, North Korea, is possibly a US Navy NMRS unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV)..
Read More >….
China-Assault-Carrier-LPD-progress
**Chinese Type-075 Class LPD**
China’s second amphibious carrier, the Type-075 LHD, could be launched as soon as April based on #OSINT of the construction progress….
Read More >….
MSUBs-Moray-XLUUV
**British extra-large UUV: Moray** MORAY is a multi-role XLUUV (extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle) designed for both combat and reconnaissance. Its modular design allows for ASW, ASuW, MCM and ISR mission fits… 
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Transatlantic-Narco-submarine-Galicia
**Transatlantic NarcoSub cutaway**
Low Profile vessel (LPV) was intercepted by the USCG Cutter Valiant in the early hours of 1st September.. and more… 
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Delfin
Updated. Originally posted Oct 10 2016.
**Mystery of the Cuban Navy's midget sub**
Cuba maintains a shroud of secrecy around its sole active submarine, the 20m (65ft) Delfin. Recent satellite imagery shows that she is still active and operates from both her home base at Cabanas and occasionally from the capitol Havana…
Read More >….
Articles_for_Forbes_2020-02-24
**Recent Articles for Forbes**
Underwater warfare and similar OSINT / defence analysis topics to a wider audience…
Read More >….
Myanmar-Navy-Submarine
**OSINT confirms Myanmar KILO Class submarine**
A set of photos published on Facebook appear to confirm that Myanmar’s first submarine, a KILO Class boat, has arrived in the country…
Read More
Russian-Navy-Nuclear-Drone-Submarine
**Russian Navy Nuclear-Powered combat AUVs?**
If the robotics revolution pushes us towards uncrewed nuclear subs, will Russia have an advantage?…
Read More
US-Navy-601B-Nuclear-power-pod-for-Submarines
**Nuclear power pod concept for submarines (US Navy, 1961)**
In the early 1960s General Electric (GE) proposed a podded nuclear power system for submarines and surface ships. These outboard motors were termed it a nuclear power package… 
The REAL Red October - Typhoon SSBN
Updated, originally posted 14th Sept 2014 Not content to rain death and destruction from the skies with his bombers, mankind invented I.C.B.Ms which could be hidden beneath the waves in giant submarines. For a time these sea monsters roamed the world’s oceans ensuring an uneasy peace. But mankind was made up of two opposing factions who sought advantage over each other. One was called the Soviet Union and was led by a man named Leonid Brezhnev who learned through his spies that his submarines were not as good as his enemy’s. Paranoid and distraught, he sought a way to regain a mad equilibrium. And so he built even bigger sea monsters which could live under the polar ice caps where they were safe from his enemies’ hunter-killers. He called these new submarines the TYPHOON 
Seismic_Survey_Sub
Updated with Cutaway. Originally posted May 21 2017
**Russian Seismic Survey Submarine for Arctic Operations** This is a unique submarine concept developed by the Rubin design bureau. It is designed to conduct sub-bottom surveys using very low frequency active sonar which can penetrate the sea floor…
Read More
Akademik-Aleksandrov
**Pr.20183 Akademik Aleksandrov connected to Poseidon/Skif project**
Sometimes valuable military intelligence is hiding in plain sight. A Russian media report shared to YouTube in June 2019 (now removed) appears to have shown 2М39 Poseidon aboard Akademik Aleksandrov… Read More >….
Interview-in-The-Diplomat
**Interview in The Diplomat**
H.I. Sutton on the Future of Underwater Warfare in the Indo-Pacific Region. What are some of the future strategic and technological challenges to submarine forces in the region?…
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US-Navy-SEAL-Delivery-Vehicle-SDV-Mk-8-Mod-0
**SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) Mk.8 Mod 0**
The ‘Gator Class’ SEAL Delivery Vehicle has been the backbone of USSOCOM’s SDV capabilities since the end of the Cold War…
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China-reports-discovering-UUVs
**Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) found off Chinese Coast**
An incident in September, which has only now come to light, illustrates the mutual danger of submarines and fishing vessels…
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Underwater-Defence-Security-UDS-2020
**UNDERWATER DEFENCE & SECURITY (UDS) 2020**
3 - 5 MARCH 2020, SOUTHAMPTON, UK… Read More >….
Shelf-ATGU-connected-to-ice-breaking submarine
**New OSINT on Russian 'Shelf' autonomous underwater reactor (ATGU)**
The reactor section of the “Submarine for servicing underwater mining complexes on the Arctic shelf and other underwater operations” is identical to the Shelf self-contained nuclear power designed for seabed operations… Read More >….
Thales-AUSS-underwater-drone-concept
**AUSS Drone - Autonomous Underwater & Surface System** Thales has an interesting concept for a torpedo-sized underwater drone (autonomous underwater vehicle - AUV) which can also perform on the surface… 
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Husky_SSN
Updated, originally posted April-1 2017.
**HUSKY / Pr.545 Laika: Russia's Next Generation Attack Submarine** Article tracking development of the next generation Russian attack submarine to supersede the AKULA Class… Read More >….
low-cost-autonomous-submarine
**Concept For Low-Cost Autonomous Anti-Ship Submarine**
As the US Navy’s Orca XLUUV program gathers pace, and other navies look to larger AUVs (Autonomous Underwater Vehicles), it is time to consider what the future might look like. Specifically, what a low-cost, low-risk XLUUV might be like. … Read More >….
Articles_for_Forbes_6
**Recent Articles for Forbes**
Underwater warfare and similar OSINT / defence analysis topics to a wider audience…
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Battle-of-Midway-Warship-Quiz
The discovery of the wrecks of two Japanese aircraft carriers lost at the Battle of Midway brings the battle a bit closer. Take the quiz! 
New-photos-of-DPRK-subs-in-Vietnam
**New rare images show DPRK subs (in Vietnam)**
Stills of a Vietnamese television show have recently surfaced on Vietnamese language social media showing the country’s imported North Korean submersibles. These images are of interest in themselves, but also show further details which apply to the types in North Korean service… Read More >….
Barnes-Wallis-Heyday-Rocket-Torpedo
**British 'Heyday' rocket torpedo**
British scientist, engineer and inventor Sir Barnes Neville Wallis CBE is best remembered for inventing the bouncing bomb which was used by the Royal Air Force in the Dambusters raid (Operation Chastise). He worked on a wide range of projects however, including hydrodynamics. This article is about his rocket torpedo… Read More >….
Biomimetic_Autonomous_Underwater_Vehicles
Updated with Cinese projects. Originally posted Sept 29
**Guide to Biomimetic Underwater Vehicles**
Overview of projects… 
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Articles_for_Forbes_5
**New Articles for Forbes**
Underwater warfare and similar OSINT / defence analysis topics to a wider audience…
Read More >….
Large_AUVs_Poster
Updated: originally posted 2nd Dec 2018
**Poster of World's Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicles**
The US Navy is progressing towards the aim of having extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles (XLUUVs) armed with cruise missiles, torpedoes, mines and smaller UUVs… Read More >….
ROKN_ASWUUV
**ASWUUV:** Large-Displacement Anti-Submarine Unmanned Underwater Vehicle
The South Korean Navy (ROKN) has revealed the world’s first explicitly anti-submarine LDUUV design… Read More >….
USN_XLUUV
Updated: originally posted 2nd Dec 2018
**Orca:** US Navy Extra-Large Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (XLUUV) The US Navy is progressing towards the aim of having extra-large unmanned underwater vehicles (XLUUVs) armed with cruise missiles, torpedoes, mines and smaller UUVs… Read More >….
Articles_for_Forbes_4
**New Articles for Forbes**
Taking underwater warfare and similar OSINT / defence analysis topics to a wider audience…
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Spy Subs -Project 09852 Belgorod
Updated. Originally posted 25th June 2016 On 23rd April 2019 Russia launched its latest ‘special mission’ submarine, Belgorod. Measures were taken to control images published in the media. However, the same day a commercial satellite passed west of the city, snapping an image looking in through the doors of the construction hall. This is the first of many commercial satellite images which will reveal many more details about this enigmatic boat…… Read More >….
Cn_Type-094_Incident
**Chinese Type-094A Jin Class SSBN in SCS incident, Sept 2019**
An incident in September, which has only now come to light, illustrates the mutual danger of submarines and fishing vessels…
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Low-Profile_UCAV_Aircraft_Carrier
**Low-Profile UCAV Carrier**
Aircraft Carriers are continuously evolving. Yet some of the basic characteristics of carriers hark back to their inception in World War One. Can we conceive of a way to reverse this, and have a carrier which has a very low radar signature, certainly compared to the current carriers?…
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Articles_for_Forbes_3
**New Articles for Forbes**
Taking underwater warfare and similar OSINT / defence analysis topics to a wider audience…
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China_Sailless_Submarine
Updated. Originally posted March 29 2019
**New Satellite images of Chinese Sailless submarine** A video capture posted on Chinese social media earlier today appears to show an unknown Chinese submarine design first reported in October 2018….
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Prohibition_Smugglers_Sub
**Moonshine smuggling sub, 1920s, Mississippi**
During the 1920-33 prohibition era cunning individuals devised contraptions to smuggle ‘moonshine’ whisky from their illicit distilleries to the big cities… Read More >….
Chinese_LDUUV
Updated. Originally posted 15th Sep 2019
**Chinese HSU-001 LDUUV
Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle** Photos posted on the Chinese language internet of the preparations for the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) in Beijing appear to show the first public unveiling of China’s Large Displacement Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (LDUUV)… Read More >….
Iran_Cruise-Missiles
**Iranian (/Houthi) Cruise Missile types**
Iran has developed several types of land attack cruise missile. This article acts as a quick reference guide… 
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Gabler_SDVs
**German Gabler Swimmer Delivery Vehicles**
Ulrich Gabler (1 October 1913 – 24 February 1994) was a German naval architect best known for founding the company which designed the Cold War Type-201, Type-202 and Type-209 submarines. Less well known but equally respected are his company’s swimmer delivery vehicles… 
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Articles_for_Forbes_2
**More Articles for Forbes**
Further articles published via Forbes taking underwater warfare and similar OSINT / defence analysis topics to a wider audience…
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Narco_2019-09
**Narcosub update**
Low Profile vessel (LPV) was intercepted by the USCG Cutter Valiant in the early hours of 1st September.. and more… 
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HDS-400_Midget-Submarine
The lead boat of South Korea’s next generation midget submarine design, currently termed the HDS-400, was launched earlier this year… Read More >….
Ru_Garmoniya-GID_AUV
**Russian Autonomous Underwater vehicle Garmoniya-GUIDE**
The Project 7Р22 Garmoniya-GUIDE is an unmanned underwater vehicle project in Russia which likely fits within the Large Displacement UUV category (LDUUV)…. 
Russian_Submarine_BS-64_Payload
Updated. Originally posted 29th May 2018
**Russian 'Special Mission' submarine BS-64 carries payloads on back** Photos continue to emerge on Russian internet sources showing Russian Navy / GUGI special mission host submarine BS-64 with payload cradle for Pr.18270 BESTER Deep Sea Rescue Vehicle (DSRV) on deck. This confirms the configuration shown on Covert Shores since 2016… 
K-329_Belgorod_Update
**OSINT: first candid photo of Belgorod submarine**
Russia’s TYPHOON Class submarine was once very camera shy. Today only one of these behemoths remains in service, and it is nearing the end of its useful life. Consequently, the Russian Navy are now willing for photographs of this impressive beast to be pasted around the internet. In August Russian State media outlet TASS posted several excellent high resolution images of the last boat in an article and on its twitter feed. The images are superb, but of particular interest is that another submarine is just visible in the background of one of them… 
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Janes_Narco-Submarines_2019-09
**Jane's Intelligence Review (JIR) Article:
Narco-sub design evolves to evade detection**
So-called ‘narco-submarines’ have become increasingly sophisticated, even though they ship only a fraction of the total cocaine entering the United States. In my latest Jane’s Intelligence Review (JIR) article I analyse the innovations and evolutions that the vessels have undergone….. 
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S-5_SSBN
**Indian Next Generation S-5 SSBN revealed**
Indian Vice President Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu tweeted photos from his August 28 visit to the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL). A test model of a submarine in one of the photos may provide new insights into India’s next generation ballistic missile submarine program, the S-5 Class…. 
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Ru_Olenya_Guba
*Updates:*
**● Beluga whale pens moved**
**● BS-64 returned to Olenya Guba less than a week after Losharik Accident**
Fresh satellite imagery recently made available on Google Earth confirms that Russian Navy’s Beluga Whale pens have been moved to a stable position near the entrance of the Olenya Guba (Оленья Губа) secret submarine base near the Kola Peninsula. These pens were most likely involved in the whale which turned up in Norway in May. Additionally they confirm that the special mission host submarine BS-64 Podmoskovye returned to its home base of Olenya Guba very shortly after the Losharik submarine accident… 
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Articles_for_Forbes
**First articles on Forbes**
The first three articles for Forbes have gone live. The first summarizes the North Korean ROMEO-MOD ballistic missile submarine. The second describes Poseidon, revealing that the test submarine Sarov was at sea in June. And the third covers USSOCOM’s jet skis…
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SDV_News_2019-08
**Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) news roundup**
Roundup of recent SDV news…
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Warship_Quiz
Test your warship recognition skills. All warships relevant to current tensions in Persian Gulf.
BOREI-II_K-549-Knyaz_Vladimir_update
originally posted July 16th 2019
**Correction**: BOREI-II class SSBN in *Sonar* tests
Information surfaced on the Russian internet which confirms that the lead BOREI-II Class ballistic missile submarine, K-549 Knyaz Vladimir, is readying for sonar tests. The frame seen was previously misidentified as a telemetery mast for missile test launches but in fact relates to testing and calibrate the digitally formed passive sonar beams… Read More >….
Warship_Misidentification
**Dangers of poor warship recognition skills**
Tactical blunders caused by misidentification can take on strategic proportions, especially in times of heightened tension and limited war. ..
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ROMEO-Mod_Submarine
Updated: originally posted July 23, 2019
**New North Korean submarine: ROMEO-Mod** 
North Korea revealed its latest indigenous submarine on 23rd July 2019. Footage was shown of Kim Jong Un inspecting the submarine, probably in Sinpo on the east coast. From the limited images available we can be confident that this is a modified vintage ROMEO Class design…
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K-278_Komsomolets
**Wreck of Russia's unique deep-diving attack submarine K-278 Komsomolets**
The Ocean’s depths below 600 meters (1,970 ft) are almost exclusively the preserve of research submersibles and underwater engineering mini-subs. Almost. The Soviet Union did commission a single nuclear-armed titanium-hulled Pr.685 attack submarine which could dive to 1,020 meters (3,350 feet), comparable to the US Navy’s famous unarmed NR-1…. 
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Evolving_threat_to_tankers_in_Persian_Gulf
Updated. Originally posted 3rd August 2018
**Evolving threat to tankers in Persian Gulf** Iranian forces have long emphasized asymmetrical tactics in the Straits of Hormuz…
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Russian_P750B_Submarine_Design
**New Russian Submarine design: P-750B**
Famous Russian design Bureau Malachite displayed a model of a Small Attack Submarine design at the IMDS-2019 International Maritime Defence Show in St. Petersburg. The design has several innovative features… 
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Houthi_explosive_boat_found
**"Blow fish" low-profile explosive boat found in Red Sea**
A second low-profile unmanned explosive boat has been found in Yemen…… 
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Diving_Museum
**Diving Museum** near Portsmouth, UK
A unique museum of national/international significance…. 
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Covert_Shores_Guide_to_Underwater_weapons
**Covert Shores guide to underwater weapons**
General guide to many types of underwater firearms, spear-guns, rocket-guns and similar weapons used by combat swimmers in a military/naval context, in history and contemporary.
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Saviz
Updated. Originally posted 3rd August 2018
**Iranian Covert Operations ship Saviz still monitoring Red Sea** Saviz is an Iranian flagged general cargo vessel used as an offshore surveillance, command & liaison base by Iranian forces operating in the Red Sea. Analysis suggests that it is primarily deployed in support of Houthi Rebels fighting in the civil war in Yemen. As of today, she is still deployed in a position monitoring traffic in the Red Sea, visible on AIS (Automated Identification System - transmissions used to avoid collisions) since she was revealed in August last year…
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OSCAR-II_SSGN
**OSCAR-II Class SSGN**
The Russian Navy is modernizing two of its Project 949A OSCAR-II Class cruise missile submarines (SSGNs) to carry the latest generation of missiles… Read More >….
BOREI-II_update
**OSINT: new BOREI-II class SSBN is lengthened**
fresh commercial satellite imagery available on Google Earth’s history layers shows that the latest boat is also longer than the baseline version… Read More >….
Otranto_unmanned-drug-vessel
**First narco-USV**
A unique craft was recently intercepted that may drastically change the threat profile in the Adriatic and potentially foretell of similar developments elsewhere: a sea-going unmanned surface vessel (USV) for smuggling drugs….
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JMSDF_Future_Submarine
Updated. Originally posted 18th June 2019
**29SS: Japan's Future Submarine** Japanese submarine builder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries showed off their next generation submarine design…. Read More >….
Russian_Navy_Submarine_Outlook_2019-2040
**Russian Submarine outlook** (Part 1: SSBN/SSDN)
Russia’s submarine fleet is fighting back from a construction and readiness low-point following the fall of the Soviet Union and subsequent economic woes…. Read More >….
Narco_2019-05
Updated: Originally posted 13th May 2019
**Narcosub update**
A Low Profile vessel (LPV) has been found on a beach on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast… 
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Cuban_Navy_SDV
**Cuba's swimmer delivery vehicle**
A new image has emerged which sheds light on the generally unknown Cuban Navy swimmer delivery vehicle (SDV)… Read More >….
Russia_Navy_Beluga_Whale_update
**New OSINT: Russian Navy Beluga whale program moves in to GUGI submarine base**
In late April fishermen in Finnmark in northern Norway found a Beluga whale wearing a tight harness for external equipment. There is strong evidence that it relates to the previously little-reported Russian Navy Northern Fleet marine mammal program. New satellite images shed new light… 
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ROCN_Submarine
**Taiwanese indigenous submarine program**
Taiwan recent unveiled a model of their indigenous submarine design intended to replace the vintage US supplied Hai Shih class submarines (Tench & Balao classes) and relatively more modernHai Lung (Sea Dragon) class submarine which is a sub-variant of the Dutch Zwaardvis class… Read More >….
Iran_Submarine_forces
**Iranian Submarine Forces**
Iran has one of the largest submarine fleets in the world…
TacOps_Podcast_Covert-Shores
**Tac Ops podcast with Covert Shores**
.Submarine veteran and speaker, Eric Moreno has joined up with Covert Cabal to produce a new pod cast. It was a pleasure to join Eric and Greg at the Tac Ops Podcast last week. The mammoth 1 hr 45 min session has been uploaded to youtube. In it we discuss the recent launch of the new Russian ‘super submarine’ Belgorod, and the Poseidon Inter-continental autonomous torpedo it will carry and much much more…
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Russia_Navy_Beluga_Whale
**Equipment St.Petersburg: Russian Navy Beluga whale**
Fishermen in Finnmark in northern Norway recently found a Beluga whale wearing a tight harness for external equipment. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the whale escaped from a Russian Navy program…
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DSI_SDV
Updated: originally posted 26th June 2018
**'Diver Delivery Craft' Special Forces underwater vehicle revealed** British firm Defense Submersibles International (DSI) has joined the emerging category of ‘submersible canoe’ style Swimmer Delivery Vehicles. The prototype craft is expected to be tested this year….. Read More >….
Pr09852_Belgorod_launched
**Russia's launched Belgorod - first analysis**
The Russian Navy continued its trend of limiting photographer access to its latest submarine launch, going to new extremes for the project 09852 Belgorod which was launched today in Severodvinsk… 
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TacOps_Podcast
**New podcast worth checking**
.Submarine veteran and speaker, Eric Moreno has joined up with Covert Cabal to produce a new pod cast. Read More >….
Pr885_Severodvinsk_Class
Updated. Originally posted 13th Oct 2018
**Yasen Class: Russia's most potent submarines** Project 885 (pr.08850) “Ash” (Ясень) YASEN / GRANEY Class. NATO: SEVERODVINSK Class. The Pr.885 Class nuclear-powered cruise missile submarines (SSGN) represent the most modern and potent Russian submarines are and widely regarded as similar to the latest Western submarines… 
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Sailless_Submarines
**Submarines without sails**
China has launched an unnamed ‘sailless’ submarine in Shanghai. It is probably the first full-sized sailless submarine, but it the Chinese naval architects behind it are not the first to seriously consider this layout… 
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Narco_2019-03
Updated
**Narcosub update**
2019 is already looking set to be another bumper year of narcosub incidents, following the three-fold increase witnessed in 2018. A Low Profile vessel (LPV) intercepted by the Colombian Navy in March may represent the first sighting of a new family of nacrosubs… 
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Harpsichord_AUV
Updated
**Russian Harpsichord (Klavesin) large Unmanned Underwater Vehicles carried by nuclear submarines** The Harpsichord-2P-PM (Клавесин-2Р-ПМ) UUV is one of the largest and most advanced UUV programs in Russia. It will be carried by surface vessels or submarines and may become a standard feature of Russian Navy nuclear submarines, giving them an improved Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capability…. 
MURENE_SLV
Updated with additional images: originally posted 6th Sept. 2018
**SLV-Murene diver propulsion device** The MURENE Subsea Light Vehicle (SLV) is the latest generation of Diver Propulsion Device (DPD) developed by French SDV (Swimmer Deliver Vehicle) manufacturer Alseamar… 
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SeeKrieger
**SeeKrieger High Speed Coastal Defense Craft / Submarine**
The SeeKrieger is an ambitious submersible boat design from Singaporean based DK Naval Technologies. If the performance matches specifications it will be the fastest naval vessel in the world by a large margin…. 
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WP-18 Tactical Strike Craft
Updated. Originally posted 25th June 2016 With its sleek wave-piercing hull and stealthy lines, the blisteringly quick WP-18 Tactical Strike Craft is the fastest naval vessel in the world. And possibly the most stylish Special Forces boat too. And it is not all good looks! Read More >….
CDV-1_SDV-1_Swimmer-Delivery-Vehicle
**Rare piece of SBS and Royal Navy diving history now on display**
It was a in many respects ahead of its time, but this advanced Swimmer Delivery Vehicle from the height of the Cold War is virtually unknown…. 
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Pr09852_Belgorod_Launch
**Belgorod due for launch**
The unique Project 09852 Class submarine, Belgorod, is expected to be rolled out of the sheds at Sevmash shipyard in Severodvinsk in just less than two weeks time…. 
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Russian_Tracked_Submarines_Baltic_1980s
**Soviet tracked submersibles in Baltic, 1980s**
A spate of submarine incursions in the 1980s led to the suspicion that the Soviet Navy was operating tracked submersibles in Swedish waters…. 
Pr885M_Kazan_Zircon
**Russia to equip cruise missile submarine with hypersonic anti-ship missile**
Reports that the Mach 7 Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missile will be tested aboard K-561 Kazan in 2019… 
The Escape of Bernd Boettger
Updated. Originally posted 7th November 2014
**Daring underwater escape from East Germany**
There were many fantastic and inspiring escapes across the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. With the odds stacked against anyone even trying to escape, it often came down to ingenious contraptions to exploit weaknesses in the defenses. One of the most impressive examples was Bernd Boettger’s 1968 escape by home-made diver propulsion device (DPV)
SBS_Archimedes_SDV
**British SBS Archimedes swimmer delivery vehicle**
During the undeclared war between Indonesia and Malaysia in 1963-66 (known as the Indonesia Confrontation),an official requirement was raised for the SBS to be ready to conduct underwater sabotage missions against enemy ships in harbor… Read More >….
India-Pakistan_Submarines
High-resolution poster of submarines in service with Indian ad Pakistani Navies…. 
Iran_SLCM_video_analysis
Revised
**Iran's Jask-2 submarine launched missile** On the third day of Iran’s Velayat 97 exercises, the Iranian media published reports that a cruise missile had been demonstrated aboard an IS-120 Ghadir Class midget submarine. This article disects the footage…
Royal_Navy_Littoral_Strike_Ships
Updated. Originally posted 12th Feb 2019
**Littoral Strike Ship** On 11th February 2019 British Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson announced the concept and development phase of a new class of amphibious warfare vessel to support the Royal Marines, and by inference, Special Forces. The new vessels will operate close to enemy shores and be termed Littoral Strike Ships… 
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Poseidon_Torpedo
Updated
**Russian Poseidon Intercontinental Nuclear-Powered Nuclear-Armed Autonomous Torpedo** Poseidon is the largest torpedo ever developed in any country. Countering this system is will force Western planners to reconsider anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and undersea sensor/weapons investment…. 
SAROV-Class_Submarine
Originally posted 9th Sept 2014. **Sarov Class submarine demystified**
The Project 20120 Sarov Class submarine is critical to Russia’s development of the new KANYON (Status-6) nuclear armed nuclear powered strategic weapon. This submarine has kept analysts guessing. Trying to decipher her unique form and curious appendages merely adds to the mystery. She is a boat which is not well documented, and many illustrations of her turn out to be quite misleading. The same can be said of much of the early analysis which still affects write-ups on the subject. 
G20_Gyroplane
**The submarine launched helicopter from 1930s**
When the French submarine Surcouf entered service in 1934 it was the first in the world with an aircraft capability designed-in. It’s compact MB.411 floatplane, which folded to fit inside the integral hangar, was a work of art. But French aviation designer René Dorand had an even more ingenious solution to deploying aircraft from submarines…
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US_Navy_North_Korean_Submarine
**WSTTT: US Navy's North Korean midget submarine**
In May 2004 the US Navy ‘sunk’ a North Korean Sang-O Class midget submarine as an underwater target off San Clemente Island, California. In fact it was the purpose-built WSTTT (Weapon Set-To-hit Threat Target)…
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Kairyu_Midget_Submarine
**Imperial Japanese Navy 'Kairyu' Class midget submarine**
In the final months of World War Two, the Imperial Japanese Navy prepared a vast fleet of midget submarines to defend the home islands. Many of these designs crude and reflected the desperation of the times, but one design stands out…
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World_Submarines_Quiz
Test your submarine identificant skills. 
Venezuelan_Navy_Submarines
**Venezuelan Navy Submarine Capabilities**
The most potent vessels in the Venezuelan Navy are two German-built Type-209/1300 diesel-electric attack submarines..
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Poseidon_demystified
**Poseidon Intercontinental Nuclear Autonomous Torpedo demystified**
Poseidon represents a completely new category of underwater weapons that will significantly alter the mission priorities of the US and British nuclear submarine forces. Although there are snippets of reliable source material on the weapon, it has an air of super-weapon mystery similar to Soviet weapon developments of the Cold War. This article seeks to step back from the mess and provide a reasoned understanding of what Poseidon is and is not…
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Malachite_arctic_submarine
**Russian ice-breaking submarine design**
In 2017 famous Russian submarine design bureau, Malachite, patented a special purpose submarine design for underwater technical works. In particular, the submarine is intended for the maintenance and repair of underwater mining complexes on the Arctic shelf…. 
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Russia_to+build_more_deep-sea_submersibles
News: **Russia building six more deep-sea submersibles** Russian news agency TASS reported on 9th January that the Russian Navy is planning to purchase six transparent bathyscaphes to perform special underwater operations. TASS cited an unnamed source in the Russian military-industrial complex so reliability is unconfirmed. The report is not far-fetched however. … 
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Poseidon_Torpedo_Supercavitation
**Russian super weapon wrongly reported as Supercavitating**
*Poseidon Intercontinental Nuclear-armed Autonomous Torpedo*
Russian state news agency TASS has recently reported that the Poseidon weapon uses supercavitation, and claimed a maximum speed in excess of 200 kmph (108 knots). This report is not credible….
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Sweden_A21_Flundran_submarine
**Sweden's unique flatfish AIP attack submarine design** The A21 was a next-generation Air Independent Power (AIP) submarine concept from the end of the Cold War. Its unique shape led to the nickname ‘Flundran’ meaning flounder or flat-fish… 
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Royal_Navy_Submarine_SSN-R
**Astute's successor: SSN(R)** Royal Navy planners are already looking to the next class of British attack submarines. Although there is little-to-nothing on this subject on the internet, it is a good time to start an article… 
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Surcouf, The Ultimate Interwar Cruiser Submarine
**Surcouf** The French cruiser submarine Surcouf was without parallel in the World, and remained the largest and most heavily armed until the final years of World War Two… 
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Narco_2018-12
**New development in Narcosub VSVs**
Recording of recent narco-sub incidents…. 
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Turbinia
**Turbinia: fastest boat in the world (1896)** When it was perfected in 1896, it was literally twice as fast as anything in service with Navies. The world of naval combat was changed forever…. 
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Sarov_Submarine_update
OSINT: **Russia's Sarov Class special test submarine in shed**
Sometimes it is what is missing rather than what is present that is interesting in a satellite image… 
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Nautilus-2020_Luxury_Submarine
**Nautilus-2020 Private Private Submarine**
What better way to blow the Monaco Yacht show out of the water than with your own private luxury submarine?
Read More >….
Attack_Class_Submarine
**Attack Class submarine**
The Attack Class diesel-electric submarine will replace the Collins Class in service with the Australian Navy with the first boat, HMAS Attack, to be delivered in the 2030s….
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China_Stretched_KILO
**Debunked: Chinese Navy stretched KILO Class submarine**
In September a new modified KILO Class submarine was seemingly observed during a Chinese training Exercise. The modified KILO is now confirmed as fake….
Read More >….
SwarmDiver
**SwarmDiver unmanned surface vessel**
Massachusetts based robotics company Aqua Botix have unveiled a new military family of micro-Unmanned surface Vessels…. Read More >….
WTD-71 SDV
**SDV projects from WTD-71 Aquatechnik**
Two-man SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle) built and tested by Wehrtechnische Dienststelle WTD-71 (Technical Center for Ships and Naval Weapons, Marine Technology and Research) in Eckernforde…. Read More >….
Ko-Hyoteki
**Japanese midget submarine attack on Pearl Harbor**
The popular account of Pearl Harbor records that the attack started at 0748hrs local time on 7th December 1941 when hundreds of Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) aircraft appeared over the anchorage and started their attacks. This simplistic version of events suffices for school textbooks and Hollywood movies but the military engagements actually started nearly five hours earlier at 0357hrs. And these first encounters were not against aircraft, but a midget submarine! Read More >….
Concept_Submarine2
**Future Submarine Concept**
The Future Submarine will operate as a host platform for an array of unmanned vehicles…
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Naval_Capabilities-Sea_of_Azov
**Kerch Strait crisis: Naval Capabilities in Sea of Azov**
In November 2018 Russia has began a blockade of the Sea of Azoz, denying commercial ships access to Ukrainian ports along the sea’s northern coast. This article summarizes selected Ukrainian and Russian Naval capabilities in the Sea of Azov… Read More >….
DRASS_DS8_SDV
**New 8-person Swimmer Delivery Vehicle revealed**
Italian SDV and Special Forces midget submarine builder DRASS revealed their 8-man design at EuroNaval 2018…. Read More >….
USN_AN-1_Submarine_Aircraft_Carrier
**US Navy SubmarineAircraft Carrier design** In the late 1950s the US Navy experimented with the concept of aircraft carrying submarines armed with jet fighters… 
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Deep_Shadow_SDV
Updated: originally posted 22nd June 2018.
**'Deep Shadow' Swimmer Delivery Vehicle revealed** The Deep Shadow carries six combat swimmers and is roughly analogous to the US Navy SEALs’ SDV Mk.VIII series. Its streamlined hull allows a comparatively high yet undisclosed cruising speed…. Read More >….
Decima-MAS_attack_on_New-York
**Planned Special Forces attack on New York, 1943**
Probably the most ambitious midget submarine operation during the entire Second World War. Italy’s elite frogman unit, Decima MAS, planned to transport a CA Class midget submarine to New York harbor on a larger sea-going host submarine, and then use the midget submarine to deliver combat swimmers to attack shipping with limpet mines… Read More >….
SMX-31
Updated. Originally posted 31st Oct 2018
**SMX-31 future submarine concept: 'The Electric'** Naval Group traditionally unveils ambitious concept submarines at the bi-annual Euronaval exhibition in Paris. This year they revealed the innovative all-electric SMX-31… 
Read More >….
Vanquisher of enemies - INS Arihant
Updated. Originally posted 21st September 2014 Despite years of development and press attention, India’s first ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) the INS Arihant is still something of a mystery. As more information comes out we can have a go at working out exactly what she looks like, and what the implications are on her internal layout and capabilities. 
Seacraft_DPC
**Seacraft DPC**
Polish Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) manufacturer Seacraft is developing a Diver Propulsion Craft (DPC) which bridges the gap between DPVs and full-size SDVs (Swimmer Delivery Vehicles). The one/two/three/four-person craft allows greater speed, load carrying and endurance than a DPV whilst still being small enough to manhandle or carry within a submarine…. 
Read More >….
CWC_Podcast_SovietSub
**Podcast - FOXTROT Class SS**
(John Sutton, Medway) Episode 35 of Cold War Conversations talks with John Sutton who owns a Pr.641 FOXTROT Class Soviet Submarine moored in the middle of the River Medway in Kent, UK…. Read More >….
Mignatta
**The world’s first combat swimmer ship attack**
The direct linage of almost all modern combat swimmer operations and Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) goes back 100 years to November 1918. Two Italian navy officers coaxed the world’s first wet-sub, the Mignatta, into an enemy harbor and sunk a battleship(!). It is important because a) it was the first b) it was so successful and c) it is almost forgotten and needs to be remembered, especially in the wider context of Special Forces history…. Read More >….
Indonesian_KTBA_chariots
**Indonesia reveals new KTBA series SDV**
Indonesia has revealed the latest in its indigenous Kendaraan Tempur Bawah Air (KTBA) series of Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) developed for the elite naval special forces unit Kopaska.… Read More >….
Yacht_Elden
**Yacht tracking: Russian yacht Elden**
(ЭЛДЕН) Super yachts usually get noticed for their bold design, impressive scale, sleek lines and massive price tag. The 29 meter long Elden (ЭЛДЕН), owned by Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, has gained notoriety for other reasons however. … Read More >….
Stidd_DPD
**Diver Propulsion Device (DPD)**
Diver Propulsion Devices (DPDs) are larger and more robust than the diver propulsion vehicles used by recreational divers and technical divers. The craft that gives this category of Special Forces vehicles its name is the Stidd DPD… Read More >….
Narco_2018-11
**Narcosub intercepted off Guatemala**
Recording of recent narco-sub incidents…. 
Read More >….
Dry_Combat_Submersible
Updated. Previous versions 13th August 2016 & 27th July 2018.
**Dry Combat Submersible (DCS)** The Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) is a type of SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV) where the interior is dry to allow the SEALs to arrive at their target fresher than a wet-sub where they have to wear their diving gear at all times.
Read More >….
Narco_2018-10
**Narcosub update**
Recording of recent narco-sub incidents…. 
Read More >….
Houthi_Navy
Updated. Originally posted 11th Sept. 2018
**Houthi sneak craft 2018**
The Houthis have increasingly adopted an asymmetrical naval doctrine focusing on small boats and shore based anti-ship missiles…..
Read More >….
World_Submarine_Museum
**TYPHOON World Submarine Museum**
This strawman proposal is to convert one of the remaining TYPHOON Class submarines a World Submarine Museum…
Read More >…. 
Poisk-2018
**Kazakhstani Combat Swimmers display Western gear**
The CSTO (Collective Security Treaty Organization) Poisk-2018 exercises held in the edge of the Kapchagai reservoir in Kazakhstan on 4th October included an assault by combat swimmers equipped with a range of Western equipment…. 
Read More >….
SNLE-3G
**First look at next generation French SSBN**
France’s Triomphant Class SSBNs are among the most modern submarines in NATO, but work is already underway on a replacement set to enter service around 2032…
Read More >….
Narco_2018-09
**Narcosub update**
Two more narco-subs have recently been intercepted off the coast of Latin America on their passage north from Colombia to Mexico…. 
Read More >….
N-310_Class_Submarine
**German shipyard plans to enter the midget submarine market with new design**
On 6th September 2018 German shipyard Nordseewerke Emden revealed plans to build a new class of midget submarine, with a proposed launch date of 2021…. 
Read More >….
LADA_KS-III
**Russia and South Korean both launch submarines**
Russia’s second Project 677 LADA Class submarine was launched on 20th September 2018 in Saint Petersburg on Baltic Coast. Four thousand miles away, South Korea launched the first KSS-III Class submarine a few days earlier. Both are examples of the latest generation of diesel-electric submarines but there are at different ends of the conventional submarine spectrum…. 
Read More >….
Centaur_assault_boat
**Ukrainian Centaur Class armored assault boat**
The new Project 58181 Centaur Class are a hybrid of Ukraine’s stereotypical Armored Artillery Boat concept and the Swedish Assault Boat concept…..
Read More >….
Special Forces Jet Skis
Updated. Originally posted 29th Aug 2016
Special Forces use of Jet Skis has slowly become common knowledge. Read More >….
Spetsnaz_exercise_in_Mediterranean
**Spetsnaz exercise in Mediterranean with Western kit**
Russia has been conducting large-scale war games in the Eastern Mediterranean. Spetsnaz combat swimmers performed operations from a KILO Class submarine using German supplied diver propulsion vehicles (DPVs) and Italian rebreathers….
Read More >….
Reddit_Submarines_AMA
**Submarines AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit**
Argentina_probing_Falklands_Defenses
**Argentinean Navy Vessel approached Falklands Islands**
On 2nd September 2018 an Argentinean Naval vessel approached close to the British territorial waters of the Falkland Islands. The vessel appears to have turned off its AIS (Automated Identification System) as it approached Islands…
Read More >….
Tandem_Propeller_Submarines
**US Navy research into tandem propeller submarines**
Cdr. Frederick R. Haselton, US Navy, conceived that a submarine can operate with just two propellers, without the need for rudders or hydroplanes. It can move in almost any direction, including backwards, by subtly directing the thrust from the propellers…. Read More >….
NarcoSub_08-2018
**Narco-subs latest: 08-2018**
This article is one of a series documenting and analyzing narco-sub incidents and trends. The mystery surrounding recent trend for narco-subs to have rear cockpits and outboard motors may be explained…
Read More >….
Nerpa_Armed-UUV
**Nerpa anti-diver UUV**
The Russian Nerpa system will be the world’s first armed counter-diver unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV)…
Read More >….
Recovering_Burevestnik
**Vessels of interest regarding recovery of Burevestnik nuclear-powered missiles**
When Russian state media reported that a naval detachment from Russia’s Northern Fleet was departing on an expedition from Severomorsk, the interesting mix of vessels piqued analysts’ interest. Now a timeline has emerged that points to one possible real mission of the detachment…
Read More >….
Countering_Russian_Poseidon_Torpedo
**Killing KANYON:** *Countering new Russian Intercontinental Nuclear Torpedoes*
<img )”=”” src=”/images/flag_USA.jpg”/> The Russian Navy fields the Poseidon Intercontinental Nuclear-Powered Nuclear-Armed Autonomous Torpedo will run much deeper and faster than submarines. Therefore new weapon systems will be required to counter it. ….
Read More >….
Egypt_Dolphin_SDV-X
**Egyptian Special Forces underwater vehicles**
A video has recently gained prominence, providing a rare insight into Egyptian Navy special forces capabilities… Read More >….
Arctic_Gambit_review
**Arctic Gambit** by Larry Bond & Chris Carlson The only boat for the mission is the US Navy’s specialist spy sub USS Jimmy Carter….
Read More
Cephalopod
**Russian 'Cephalopod' Armed Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) program**
Russia’s research into armed underwater drones has been overshadowed by the gigantic ‘Poseidon’ nuclear autonomous torpedo. Cephalopod (Цефалопод) is a small unmanned submarine with a sonar like a proper submarine and torpedoes to make the kill…
Read More >….
Russian_Submarine_Forces_2018
**Russian Submarine Forces 2018**
Russia maintains one of the largest and most powerful submarine fleets on the planet. This article summarizes current capabilities and main types….
Read More >….
DRASS_MTRB-MRSV
**Drass midget submarines support vessels**
This important aspect of midget submarine operations is rarely reported on…
Read More
Arctic_Gambit_arrived
**Larry Bond's Arctic Gambit**
My hardback copy of Larry Bond’s latest Jerry Mitchell submarine novel, Arctic Gambit, has arrived. Expect a book review when I’ve read it cover to cover. …
Read More
Underwater_Defence_Security_2019
**Underwater Defence & Security conference dates 2019**
The NATO centric Underwater Defence & Security 2019 (Website) will be held at the Ageas Hilton, Southampton, UK on 5th - 7th March 2019… Read More >….
NarcoSub_07-2018
**Narco Sub incidents 2018 #2**
This article is part of a series documenting narcosub incidents and making observations of design trends…. Read More
USN_Submarine_Concept
**Unbuilt US Navy next generation spy submarine**
An unlabeled photograph halfway through an essay on the US Navy submarine force hints at a previously unreported submarine design optimized for Seabed Warfare. This article reveals more about the design. … Read More >….
Ru_Seabed_Warfare_submarines_poster
**Russia's fleet of Seabed Warfare submarines**
New poster shows current fleet of Special Mission submarines based at Olenya Guba (Deer Bay) in the Arctic Circle…. Read More >….
New_Ortega_SDV_revealed
Updated.
**Revealed: Latest Dutch Special Forces Swimmer Delivery Vehicles** Previously unpublished blurry mobile phone photographs of an unusual boat seen on a Dutch lake showed the latest Ortega Mk.1D 4-person Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV). The craft was undergoing manufacturer’s trials prior to delivery to a defense customer. Covert Shores can reveal further details and high-resolution photos.
Read More >….
Yantar_News
**British deep-sea robot seen on Russian GUGI ship passing UK**
When the Russian ‘spy ship’ Yantar passed British waters this week she was shadowed by Royal Navy destroyer HMS Diamond (D-34). The escort made headlines with images posted on major media and social media. Yantar is a controversial ship. One interesting detail is that the British supplied Anglo-Swedish Tiger remote operated vehicle (ROV) was lashed to the helipad. Read More >….
Ru_Hydro-Bionics
**Soviet Hydro-Bionics**
Bio-mimic submarine technology, when underwater vehicles use propulsion mechanisms inspired by marine wildlife instead of the propellers (‘screws’) is a hot topic. But it is not as new as you might think… Read More >….
Triton-2_SDV_Baltic
**Photo of Russian Defense Exhibition**
The photo can be geo-located to the main piers on the island of Kronshtadt in St. Petersberg… Read More >….
Cn_Underwater_Great_Wall
**Good Wind ears: China’s Underwater Great Wall**
A recent video adds to the information we have of China’s ambitious submarine monitoring system in the South China Sea… Read More >….
Russian_Submarine_Activity
**Sanity checking reports of increased Russian submarine activity**
There have been reports that Russian submarine activity has returned to Cold War levels. This article uses publicly available data to compare recent activity to Cold War levels…. 
O_Eneroth_Submarine_1897
**Vintage submarine design from 1897**
In the late 1800s Sweden was q leading powerhouse in submarine design, with a Nordenfelt Class submarine being the first in the world to launch a torpedo in 1888. Ten years later another Swedish engineer, O Eneroth, was proposing a cutting-edge submarine design.
… Read More >….
Photo from Sjöhistoriska museet.
3GST9
An advanced Dry Combat Submersible design from the end of the Cold War, the 3GST9 has a reputation of being a very impressive boat, continuing the Italian tendency to be ten years ahead of everyone else in this field. Its Air Independet Power (AIP) made it a generation ahead of contemporary designs. Read More >….
Alfa_Class_Submarine
**Russian ALFA Class interceptor submarine**
At the height of the Cold War NATO submariners found themselves confronting a Soviet submarine which not only greatly out-performed their own boats, but which could operate beyond the reach of their weapons… Read More >….
Burning_Narco-VSV
**Fifth Narco VSV**
The fifth Narco-VSV (Very Slender Vessel) has been intercepted by the US Navy. The Cyclone Class patrol boat USS Zephyr (PC 8), with a US Coast Guard detachment aboard, seized the vessel in the Eastern Pacific on 7th April 2018…. 
Submarine_Recognition_Poster
**Submarine Recognition poster**
Essential reference for Journalists and surface navy alike…. 
How_to_identify_a_submarine
**New Submarine Recognition poster**
Essential reference for Journalists and surface navy alike. …. 
Ru_Raptor_2018-04
**14th Pr.03160 "Raptor" assault boat joining Baltic Fleet**
An image recently released by the Russian Ministry of Defense showcasing a Project 03160 “Raptor” Assault Boat reveals an interesting detail…. 
A26
**A-26 Blekinge Class Next Generation AIP Attack Submarine**
The A-26 is one of the most advanced and forward-looking non-nuclear submarine designs in the world…. Read More >….
Rotinor BlackShadow and Divejet DPVs
Rotinor’s Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) are widely used within the Special Forces community and represent a major player in the market. Although innovative and high-tech, these craft represent rapidly maturing technology and are noted for the high underwater speed. Read More >….
Plot_to_steal_a_Nuclear_Submarine
**1978 plan to steal USS Trepang (Sturgeon Class SSN)**
In a plot straight out of a straight-to-video movie, two ambitious would-be super-villains planned to steal a Sturgeon Class nuclear powered attack submarine, sail it into the North Atlantic and then sell it to the Mafia… 
Russia_BUCKS_unmanned_boat
**Russian Cold War unmanned boat**
Today, Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) are seen as an emerging trend in naval doctrine. But some types were in service during the Cold War (and even World War One!). This article describes the Russian BUKS (БУКС) mine and obstacle clearance boat from the Cold War…… 
Status-6_KANYON
Updated: originally posted 12th Feb 2018
**Russian 'Poseidon' Intercontinental, nuclear armed, undersea autonomous torpedo demystified** This brief analysis details a selection of my original research into the subject…. 
Sturgeon_SSN
**Cold War Sturgeon Class Nuclear-Powered Attack Submarine (SSN)**
The main US Navy attack submarine of the Cold War, 39 Sturgeon Class SSNs were built in the late 1960s and 1970s. Their primary purpose was anti-submarine warfare against all types of seagoing Soviet submarines… 
Seliger
**Russian Seliger Deep Sea 'Research' Complex**
The Soviet deep-sea research into cable cutting from submarines goes back to the mid-1960s. The Russian Seliger vehicle was used for deep sea research and ‘undersea engineering’ during the Cold War….. 
Russian_Arctic_Seabed_Capabilities
**Large illustration of Russian Under-ice Seabed Capabilities**
Russia continues to take steps towards militarizing the arctic, and in particular the sea floor under the ice cap…. 
PR-77+R-2_SDVs
**Classic two-man SDV of the Cold War**
This one of the most widely recognized Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) of the Cold War, and is best known as the Ronilica R-2, preferred mount of Yugoslavia’s commando frogmen unit the 82 Maritime Center. The original design is in fact French, and it served with the US Navy UDT and SEALs as well as being exported, from Yugoslavia, to Sweden, Syria and Libya….. 
NarcoSub_03-2018
**Narco Sub developments and trends**
This article documents recent intercepts and highlights how Narco Sub design and Modus Operandi is evolving…. 
OSINT_Landscape
**OSINT Landscape released**
This landscape shows the main platforms and tools of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and Open Source Investigation (OSINV). OSINT is the collection and analysis of publicly available sources in an intelligence context. “Open” refers to overt, publicly available sources as opposed to covert or clandestine sources….. Read More >….
SIERRA-II
**Russian SIERRA-II attack submarine ('Condor')**
Two titanium-hulled SIERRA-II nuclear powered attack submarines serve with Russia’s Northern Fleet stationed near the Arctic Circle…. 
Single-versus-Double_Hull
**Single & Double-hulled submarines demystified**
Submarines can be divided into those with a Single Hulls and those with Double Hulls. The former has only one layer of steel between the crew and the open ocean while the latter has an external outer hull which completely encases the occupied inner hull. The relative merits of these two approaches is hotly debated…. 
USN-SEALs_Jetski
**US Navy SEALs' modified jetski revealed**
A photo published by the US Navy shows the heavily modified YAMAHA 2016 FX CRUISER SHO jetski… 
Vogo_SDV-1000W
Vogo Engineering’s SDV-1000W Submersible boat / Swimmer Delivery Vehicle… 
Dutch_WW2_Subs
**Advanced Dutch multi-hull submarine designs of World War Two**
At the start of World war Two, naval architects from the Dutch B.V. Nederlandsche Ver. Scheepsbouw Bureaux took refuge in the United Kingdom, where they continued to design submarines.. Read More >….
Newsflash-KANYON
**Newsflash: KANYON**
An unclassified Nuclear Posture Review document revealed by the Huffington Post contains a tiny reference which confirms the seriousness given to the KANYON nuclear-armed nuclear-powered torpedo.
Read More >….
Iran_Chariot
**Iranian** *e-Ghavasi* **Human Torpedo**
This enigmatic ‘Swimmer Delivery Vehicle’ developed by Iran takes the term ‘human torpedo’ to the extreme; it is based on a 533mm (21”) heavyweight torpedo with the pilot laying prone in the nose…. Read More >….
Yugo_X-Craft
**Yugoslavian X-Craft: R-3E** Yugoslavia gained a reputation for special forces crat, chief among which was the R-3E X-craft. Developed in the Cold War it was in many respects ahead of its time as a dry-SDV….
Read More
Time_Lapse
**Time lapse video of Submarine Cutaway in MS Paint**
View it on Youtube:
Undersea_Cables
Updated: DG-450 and DG-350 added. Originally posted 10th June 2017.
**Russian capabilities against undersea cables** A recently published article by British Member of Parliament Rishi Sunak shows the growing awareness of a new fundamental weakness of NATO countries (and many other countries around the world). The concern is that an adversary could gain a strategic advantage by interrupting internet and telecommunications between countries at a critical moment by attacking the numerous Submarine Communications Cables (SCC) which litter the sea floor between countries. The ground truth of this new naval arena clearly favors Russia both in terms of naval investment and the circumstances of geography.
This article summarizes my own thoughts and analysis on the topic.
Corrections and comments welcome.
Read More
ARA_San_Juan
**Appeal**
The sense of loss when a submarine is lost during peace time transcends national boundaries and politics. Submariners have a sense of community so it is no surprise that, absent any suitable charity appeals already being established by others, a former submariner has taken it upon himself to organize one. Details yet to be published.
Watch Twitter or Reddit for details on how to donate.
I have agreed to donate signed copies of WORLD SUBMARINES: Covert Shores Recognition Guide for larger donations – see above links for details of this and other offers…. Read More >….
Piranha Special Forces submarine
Updated. The p.865 ‘Piranha’ midget submarine was a dedicated Spetsnaz special operations craft capable of delivering 6 frogmen to a target over 400 miles from its base. Read More >….
SSNs
**World SSNs**
This graphic is compiled from some of the graphics in the WORLD SUBMARINES book. I included all SSN classes currently in service, plus the French Suffren Class (Barracuda) and Brazilian Álvaro Alberto Classes which are not yet in service. India also operates a single AKULA SSN on lease from Russia. 
CSIC_MS200
**China reveals new midget submarine design: MS200** China recently revealed the MS200 midget submarine design at the Defense & Security 2017 defense exhibition in Bangkok, Thailand. …
Read More
UDS18_1
**Underwater Defense & Security 2018**
**Threat of OSINT to Fleet survivability**
I will be joining a distinguished speaker line up to talk about the Russian Pr.09852 Belgorod submarine program and then, about the threat of open source intelligence (OSINT) to Fleet survivability. Specifically, how to track submarines using OSINT, and thoughts on how to reduce your own fleet’s exposure to these risks.
20th - 22nd March 2018,
Portsmouth, UK
UDS-18 Website
Target_Quiz
There are only two types of vessel; submarines, and targets. 
USS_X1
**USS X1 X-Craft**
The X-1 is a very interesting yet often overlooked deviation in the US Navy’s submarine history… Read More >….
Covert_Shores_Articles
**Popular Covert Shores Articles**
World_Submarines
New book out Now
**World Submarines**
**Covert Shores Recognition Guide**
The latest Covert Shores book has hit Amazon!
The book is a large format, all-color recognition guide to ALL the submarines currently in service around the world plus those which will enter service in coming years.
There are over 80 Classes/families of submarine covered, including the obscure types often overlooked elsewhere.
My co-author is C Edward Davis, a keen submarine researcher as well as an excellent fiction and non-fiction writer.
Read More
North_Korean_Corvette
**North Korean Stealth Warship has vintage weapons**
I do not like sensationalist headlines but this is a turnup for the books. And it might be telling of the precarious state of North Korean naval modernization. New photos of one of the most modern North Korean warships shows that its main gun is a vintage 85mm gun…. Read More >….
Cold_War_Rec
I got this quiz idea while preparing recognition silhouettes for my submarine new book. Take the quiz! 
SubSeaCraft_DDU
**Diver Delivery Unit**
British firm SubSeaCraft recently revealed the prototype of their new Submersible Boat for Special Forces…. Read More >….
Uboat_XXIXH
**Type-XXIX-H stealth U-boat design, 1944**
This unbuilt design was intended to replace the ubiquitous Type-VIIC U-Boat family. It was conceived as a relatively modest design, albeit incorporating the latest thinking, and yet it was the first submarine to incororate sonar stealth shaping as part of its core design…
Read More
HP_COMMANDO_Mk1
**Nautiraid High Pressure Commando Mk.1**
This is a unique submarine concept developed by the Rubin design bureau. It is designed to conduct sub-bottom surveys using very low frequency active sonar which can penetrate the sea floor…
Read More
DGS-888
**Brazilian DGS-888 Raptor riverine craft**
The Brazilian armed forces have recently published images showing the new type in service with the Marines for interception, patrol and light troop transportation in the Amazon.
…. Read More >….
Yantar
**Russian ship loitering near undersea cables**
Updated: Original article 9th Oct. 2016. The Russian Navy’s Project 22010 mini-sub host ship Yantar is known for loitering near undersea internet cables (known as Submarine communications Cables - SCC). It may have other special missions also…. Read More >….
USS_Grayback
**USS Grayback (LPSS-574): SEAL host submarine**
At the height of the Cold War and Vietnam Wars In the mid-1960s the US Navy planned to convert two nuclear deterrence guided missile submarines into dedicated Special Forces host submarines…..includes information on Operation THUNDERHEAD… Read More >….
Ru_Arctic
Russia is pursuing a number of underwater projects which will come together to form a substantial strategic advantage in the Arctic. These are both military and civilian in nature and fit Russian ambitions to dominate the region both militarily and economically…. Read More >….
SSN-23
**USS Jimmy Carter** *- Semper Optima*
Larger, faster, deeper diving, better armed and stealthier than previous generations of US Navy attack submarine, the Seawolf Class (SSN-21) were conceived towards the end of the Cold War as the ultimate underwater hunter-killers. Even by this measure the last of the Class is something quite special… Read More >….
Hunley
**Famous Civil War submarine: H. L. Hunley**
During the American Civil War the Navy of the Confederate States were heavily outgunned by the Union’s navy. Invariably the development of sneak attack craft is born of desperation as an effort to confront the numerically and qualitatively superior force. Civilian engineers were invited to submit proposals to the Confederate Navy and promised financial rewards for successful designs. Best known of these Confederate sneak craft was the HL Hunley…. Read More >….
Swe_OSINT
**Win for responsible OSINT: Swedish town moves webcam covering naval base**
A recent Covert Shores article highlighted the potential use of public webcams to provide Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) about submarine operating patterns and capabilities. This used a webcam overlooking the Swedish Naval Base of Karlskrona as an example. Since the article the local government has a agreed to the navy’s request to move the camera…. Read More >….
Narco_Seehund
**Narco-Sub based on German Seehund Midget Submarine**
One of the most unusual drug smuggling ‘narco-subs’ was this fully submersible midget submarine captured by Columbian forces in a jungle factory near the Ecuadorian border on or around 27th November 2011. It has an uncanny resemblance to German World War Two Seehund midget submarine… Read More >….
OSINT_Webcams
**Analysis of submarine operating patterns and capabilities using public webcams**
The recent Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) revolution has seriously eroded the secrecy which can be expected of submarine operations. Fueled by the Information age and, increasingly, the AI revolution, OSINT provides many ways to track certain elements of submarine operations, principle the time they spend in port. This is significant because it can reveal operating patterns, readiness levels, procedures and routes, indicators of movement and, potentially changes in readiness status. During times of tension some OSINT sources may provide real-time or near real time indicators of action or inaction, of strength or vulnerability…. Read More >….
SSV
**Submersible Support Vessel**
The US Department of Defense (DOD) released its Expeditionary Advance Base Operations Wargame Toolkit and options in November 2016. The unclassified document is intended to illustrate the art of the possible and does not imply DOD endorsement or funded requirements. It does however show the direction of thinking of the DOD… Read More >….
OSINT_danger
**Danger of circular references in OSINT**
Official commemorative pendants depicting Russian spy submarines are a goldmine for Open Source Intelligence (OSINT). The aim of Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is to gain insights into the activities, capabilities and intentions of {insert government or non-state organization} using publicly available information. So in the case of the secretive world of Russian submarine programs this includes trawling through documents and web chatter related to the shipyards and design bureaus associated with them. Often pendants, posters and medals reveal or confirm some small details about the submarines in question.
However, things are not always what they seem…. Read More >….
Pr885_Analysis
Originaly posted 17th April 2017
**Analysis of Project 885M Yasen-M Submarine images** After the first improved project-885M Yasen-M submarine, K-561 Kazan, was launched at the Sevmash yard on 31st March 2017, images are slowly leaking out of Russia.
Read More >….
Narco-VSV
**First two Very Slender Vessel (VSV) narco-subs seized**
On Saturday 22nd April 2017 anti-narcotics agents from the Guatemalan National Civil Police seized an abandoned narco-sub in the Pacific. A second example was intercepted by USCGC Waesche (WMSL-751) on 8th June. One is interesting, two is a trend…..
Read More
Ortega_SDV
Updated text on Mk.1D 9th June 2018
**Latest Dutch Special Forces Swimmer Delivery Vehicles** Dutch Swimmer Delivery Vehicles built by Ortega are based on the original World War Two ‘Sleeping Beauty’. That was a small single-person boat designed to run for long distances on the surface, only submerging when it approached the target area. Despite the unambiguous influence, the Ortega designs add modern hydrodynamics and the latest technology to create a cutting-edge Special Forces vehicle.. Read More >….
Chariot_Mk2
**The forgotten British SDV: Chariot Mk.II**
The Chariot Mk.II is a forgotten hero of World War Two British midget submarines. It was kept secret and remained in service after the war…
Read More
History of Israeli Subs
The submarine force of the Israeli Navy is unlike any other submarine force in existence. As a small country surrounded by enemies, Israel has driven itself to the forefront of military technology and application. The history of the Israeli Navy’s 7th Flotilla s particularly interesting. Today Israeli submarines are among the most sophisticated and potent boats in service with any navy.
SWCS
Shallow Water Combat Submersible (SWCS) - US Navy’s and USSOCOM’s next generation SEAL Delivery Vehicle. Read More >….
Triton-1
**Triton-1: Spetsnaz’s unknown Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV)**
The offensive potential of the Triton-1 was put to the test in October 1961 when an ace crew conducted a demonstration sneak attack at Tallinn in Estonia, then part of Soviet territory. The crew passed through the harbor defenses unobserved and surfaced within 30m (30 yards) of a submarine tied up at the pier. Still undetected, they sank from sight and made the return journey, again passing through the boom defenses unnoticed. It was a powerful demonstration to the Soviet Navy and ensured the future of the frogmen and their craft….. Read More >….
Porpoise_1000
**Porpoise 1,000-ton littoral submarine concept **
Small submarines pose an elusive threat to naval forces operating in relatively shallow waters, particularly amidst islands. Knowing this the Swedish Navy has a long tradition of building relatively small submarines optimized for the confined waters of the Baltic and particularly among the thousands of islands in the Swedish Archipelago. The Porpoise 1000 ton concept is a Swedish submarine officer’s take on the ideal littoral submarine…
Read More
RuPAC_rescueX
**Russian Pacific Fleet shows submarine rescue capability**
The Russian Ministry of Defense has shared photos from a recent exercise in Pacific. They show the a Project 18270 BESTER DSRV deploying from the rescue ship Igor Belousov. Also shown is a British-built Saab SeaEye Tiger ROV…
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Pr885M_Update
**Revealing video of Pr.885M 'Kazan' launch**
A video has emerged of the latest Russian Project 885M YASEN-M Class cruise missile submarine ‘Kazan’ being launched. …
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Arctic_Trefoil
**Photos of construction of Russian Artic Trefoil Base**
Russia recently showcased its ‘new’ Arctic Trefoil military base on Alexandra Land in the Franz Josef Land archipelago in the Arctic. Analysis suggests that it is built at a pre-existing artic outpost known as Nagurskoye (Нагу́рское) located at 80.810090°, 47.651465°…
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Belgrano_1982
**Sinking of ARA Admiral Belgrano - 2nd May 1982**
On the 2nd May 1982, the British submarine HMS Conqueror sank the Argentinian cruiser ARA Admiral Belgrano. It was the first and only sinking of a warship during wartime by a nuclear-powered submarine…
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Submarine_Stealth
**Stealth: Raft Mountings in submarines**
In submarine warfare stealth means quietness. During much of the Cold War US and British submarines had a material advantage over their Russian counterparts because of the attention paid to quieting. One of the ways this is achieved is by mounting machinery on noise-absorbent materials to prevent noise being transferred to the hull and from there into the water around the boat – this is termed raft mounting…
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Lazurit_Rescue_Sub
**Unbuilt Russian rescue submarine to replace INDIA Class**
Russian design bureau Lazurit (Лазурит) may be pitching for a new role for their SIERRA Class attack submarines which were built during the Cold War…
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Russian_Arctic_update2
**New info on Pr-09852 Belgorod submarine and Arctic plans**
Less than a week after Russia unveiled its new arctic base on Alexandra Island in the Arctic Circle, Russian media have begun reporting on the future launch of the Project 09852 Belgorod submarine. The headline fact is that she will be the largest (or at least o=longest) submarine in in the world, at 184m. This is thanks to a 30m hull insert which allows her to accommodate the relatively large Losharik deep sea submersible (AGS). However, her size isn’t the real headline here….
Read More >….
Submarine_Timeline
**History of Submarines - Timeline poster**
NK_Navy_threat2017
**North Korean Navy threat to USS Carl Vinson's Strike Group**
The USS Carl Vinson is sailing back towards the Korean Peninsula. The message is clear: that the same type of military action metered out to Assad could be on the cards for North Korea in response to its nuclear weapons program. The US Pacific Command described the deployment as ”a prudent measure to maintain readiness in the region.” President Trump has said the US is prepared to act alone to deal with the nuclear threat from North Korea.
This quick analysis will explore the potential threat that the North Korean Navy could pose to the battle group…
Read More >….
April_2017
**News Round-up April 2017**
Selected inshore special warfare and submarine news from the last few weeks… Read More >….
Russian_Arctic_Update
**Russian shipbuilder proposes range of arctic projects**
An exhibition in Arkhangelsk, Russia, called Arctic – Territory Dialogue (Арктика - территория диалога) reveals some of the proposed civilian applications for Russia’s deep sea engineering and Autonomous Nuclear Power Plants. Shipbuilder USC and famous design bureau Rubin showed models of a nuclear-powered under-ice oil or gas drilling platform called Iceberg. The submarines are of special interest, and the topic is related to naval projects under the icecap… Read More >….
USN_Diesel-Sub
**An independent case for the US Navy to return to diesel-electric submarines**
Opinion piece with a ronin research approach - Alternative title Diesel Boats forever tomorrow With nearly 80 submarines, the US Navy is without question the most powerful submarine force on the planet. Since the late 1950s US Navy submarine building has been almost exclusively focused on nuclear powered designs. The last diesel powered front line boat was decommissioned in 1990. Since then there have been several voices calling for the Submarine Force to have at least some diesel-boats on hand. This article takes the form of ronin research which is masterless, and therefore free to challenge the conventional thinking on this topic, and highlight emerging capabilities which are beyond the scope of current planning… Read More >….
Houthi_mines_in_Red_Sea
**New threat to international shipping in Red Sea**
Images have just surfaced (Twitter) of the type of mine laid by retreating Houthi rebels in Midi, Yemen. At the same time reports are coming out in Arab media that the Saudi Navy has disarmed some sea mines in the Red Sea (Alarabiya). It is possible that the two sources are reporting the same mines. The improvised weapons appear to be of the floating type with contact detonators. Although they appear basic, they are a significant threat to merchant shipping using the busy Red Sea route… Read More >….
North_Korean_Submarines
**Guide to the North Korean Navy's submarine capabilities**
With approximately 70 boats North Korea has the second or third largest fleet of submarines in the world, after only the United States and possibly China. And while the submarines themselves may be small or antiquated, the men who man them have a proven track record of loyalty, discipline, basic naval competence and aggressive leadership.
… Read More >….
AssaultRifle_Quiz3
Test your knowledge of assault current rifles and similar weapons.
NR-1
**The US Navy's nuclear powered midget submarine: NR-1**
At barely 40 meters (130ft) the NR-1 (Navy Reactors-1) was a midget submarine by US Navy standards. It was by far the smallest nuclear powered submarine in the world when she was launched on 25th January 1969. A special mission spy submarine, she was built under the guise of research, oceanography and later deep sea rescue in great secrecy in the same shed where the first nuclear submarine, USS Nautilus, had been.
… Read More >….
Evolution of Polish Blotniak SDV
The Polish Blotniak is the only single seat enclosed SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle) ever seriously developed. 
Originally posted 22nd Oct 2014
CIA_Water-Air_1958
**Overview of CIA Water-Air Division equipment, 1958**
This is a summary and analysis of a CIA booklet from 1958 (now declassified with redaction) covering ”Equipment and/or Test Reports Available for Operational use or Planning”. It was compiled by the CIA Water-Air Division who were the Cold War evolution of the Wartime OSS Maritime Unit. Read More >….
Spy Subs - X-RAY
**Russian X-RAY Class Special Mission submarine**
The Russian Project 1851 Nelma class (NATO: X-RAY class) midget submarine is shrouded in secrecy. Read More >….
Swedish_Sub_Incursions_RYAN
**Swedish news article on Cold War imcursions**
This morning’s Blekinge Lans Tidning (BLT) newspaper ran a story on the Swedish Cold War submarine Incursions. Retired Naval Officer Nils-Ove Jansson drew parallels to when Soviet Spetsnaz combat swimmers came ashore in Sweden to reconnoiter the placing of nuclear mines (allegedly). An interesting article in a few ways… Read More >….
Unbuilt_Russian_Spy_Subs
**Multifunctional underwater station (MPS)**
In 2010 the Russian Ministry of Industry and Trade patented a ‘Multifunctional underwater station (MPS) (Russian: Многофункциональная подводная станция (МПС). Two years later Russian submarine design bureau Lazurite proposed the same design for a range of underwater engineering tasks. Although presented as a civilian platform the design gives us good insight into the Russian ‘deep station’ spy submarines operated by GUGI (Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research, Military Unit 40056)… Read More >….
DGSE_SDVs
**French Secret Intelligence Agency's unknown minisubs**
The World’s national intelligence agencies rarely reveal their submarines. France’s DGSE (Direction générale de la sécurité extérieure - English: General Directorate for External Security), equivalent of the CIA and MI6, is unusual in having its own pool of combat swimmers (Nageur de combat). As well as having access to French Special Forces’ Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) they have been equipped with their own unique lineage of SDVs.
… Read More >….
South African Riverine Assault Boat
Originally posted 5th September 2016
Images have emerged of the new South African riverine assault boat in service. Two boats were acquired under Project Carol, joining the SA Navy MRS Operational Boat Division… Read More >….
Explosive_boats
**A brief history of Explosive Boats**
The recent attack on a Saudi frigate off Yemen by Houti rebels using a remote controlled explosive boat brings these craft into focus. There have been a lot of different explosive boats developed over the years although few are well known. They are not only used by non-State actors and their history is actually closely intertwined with the minisubs used by Naval Special Forces… Read More >….
Taiwanese_midget_sub
**Taiwanese 130 ton Special Forces midget submarine design**
The recent uncertainty of US foreign policy regarding the sovereignty of Taiwan (Republic of China) reminds us the Taiwanese Navy’s embattled acquisition program. In 2014 the HARD ROC 2.0 report by the US Strategic and Budget Assessment Center recommended that Taiwan instead concentrate on building a large fleet of some 42 midget submarines. This 350 ton design is most likely in response to this…. Read More >….
SEALION and Alligator stealth boats
**SEALION Combatant Craft Heavy (CCH)**
Various ‘stealth boats’ have been trailed by Naval Special Warfare (NSW, now part of USSOCOM) for use by the Special Boats Units and SEALs. Although always under the radar, several types have been noticed by bystanders over the years. More recently USSOCOM has sought to operationalize the SEALION family of semi-submersible ‘stealth boats’ as the Combatant Craft Heavy. This article builds on the popular post on the old Covert Shores Blog.Read More >….
Norway_Type-212
**Norway selects German Type-212 submarine**
In a surprise move, Norway has stopped its submarine selection competition and selected a German Type-212 derived design offered by Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS)… Read More >….
CosMoS CE4F SDV
**Revealed: Turkey's secret Italian SDV**
CE4F article originally posted 22nd July 2016. Info on Turkey added 29th Jan 2017 
The CE4F was the last and most secret Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) built by the famed manufacturer Cos.Mo.S based in Livorno, Italy. The original customer, and only known operator, was the Turkish SAT (Su Altı Taarruz) Special Forces…. Read More >….
Cold War Intelligence Doc
**Analysis of Soviet Cold War Intelligence document on Naval Special Forces**
*Organizing Combat Against Underwater Sabotage Forces and Means in Naval Theaters* This is an analysis of a document found on the CIA Records Search Tool (CREST) (here) which is in fact an American translation of a secret Russian document originally dating from 1965. The original document was part of the SECRET Russian Defense Ministry Publication Collection of Articles of the Journal ‘Military Thought’. The translation was circulated within the CIA in 1978 as part of the Military Thought (USSR) series of Top Secret briefings. In the document (direct link), its author Capt. G Ditskiy describes the past and present (as-of 1965) combat swimmer operations and technology, and lays out that countering these forces is critically important in wartime. He also points out the key weaknesses of Soviet capabilities as he saw them….. Read More >….
Secret History - the Soviet submarine gap
Originally posted 13tth Dec 2014.
**Updated with infor from CIA CREST archives.** After WW2 those with Top Secret clearances in UK and US were concerned that Russia was building a fleet of midget submarines which could deal a deadly blow to NATO navies in the opening moments of World War Three. Declassified documents found in the National Archives (UK) and CIA FOIA Reading Room (US) shed interesting light on these fears.
READ MORE
South_Asia_CASD
Related: + 
World survey of AIP submarines
SubSkimmer
The SubSkimmer is possibly one of the most innovative underwater craft ever designed for the infiltration of Special Forces. It combines the characteristics of a rigid-inflatable (RIB) with an underwater scooter and is better understood as a submersible boat rather than a typical Swimmer Delivery vehicle (SDV). First built in the early 1980s, it has been widely exported and version are still in production today….. Read More >….
Nuclear Missile Submarines
First posted 18th June 2016. + The dynamics of at-sea nuclear deterrence have completely changed since the end of the Cold War. In those 25 years the total number of active ballistic missile submarines has more than halved, but three additional countries have joined the club…. Read More >….
Submarine_Cutaways
Analysis - Russian Status-6 aka KANYON nuclear deterrence and Pr 09851 submarine
Originally posted 20th Nov 2015 **KANYON (Status-6) strategic weapon**
The leaking of the Status-6 (‘KANYON’) strategic nuclear torpedo on Russian TV on 9th November 2015 was met by many in the West with incredulity. However the fact remains that the weapon was not unexpected among the few observers watching the development of certain large submarines by Russia. We knew that Russia was developing an over-sized forward firing weapon because of the Sarov submarine (see old COVERT SHORES article). And the project 09851 Khabarovsk and Project 09852 Belgorod were being followed and talked of as probable launch platforms for a new weapon. And the KANYON system had been revealed in Western Media two month earlier, citing Pentagon sources. Most recently the same media source has claimed that the weapon has been test fired from Sarov. Read More >….
Euronaut
**Euronaut: a 'proper' garage-built midget submarine**
There are only handful of civilian submersibles which are in any respect comparable to military midget subs. The architects and builders of these projects deserve the greatest respect and secret envy. The Euronaut, which has been built for wreck diving, is an incredible example of this rare breed.
Dec2016
**Sub-surface news from Russia**
Several interesting news topics from Russia: test firing of KANYON (Status-6) strategic nuclear torpedo; new ‘Surrogate’ ‘decepticon’ UUV revealed, MAKO Penguin anti-diver UUV; Yantar spy ship loitering in Med again. Read More >….
Iguana
**Iguana innovative amphibious boats**
As the company’s website says, “As always, you wonder why nobody thought about it before”. Like so many new ideas it is deceptively simple.Read More >….
USS_Parche
**US Navy Spy Sub par-excellence**
When she was finally decommissioned in 2004, after 31 years and 19 deployments, USS Parche was the most decorated submarine in US Navy history.
….Read More >….
The_First_Clearance_Diver
**John Deane, Diver in Crimean War**
Someone forwarded me a link to James Nestor’s account of the Deane brother’s unfathomable exploits in Epic Magazine. An excellent read. 
A quick note re the Deane Brothers and particularly John Deane’s work clearing naval mines in the Crimean War….Read More >….
Sphyrene SDV
**Sphyrene + Coryphene SDVs**
The Sphyrene is an advanced six-man Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) currently on the market from French firm Alseamar. It is one of the latest generation of French SDVs tracing its lineage back to the Vostock SDV used by Commando Hubert. The Sphyrene is promoted on the export market alongside French diesel-electric submarines and Alseamar’s updated Vostock, the Coryphene. Read More >….
Carmon-18
**Demystified**
A little known or unreported 25m (82ft) midget sub is visible in 2005 satellite imagery of Primorsk near St. Petersburg on Russia’s Baltic coast. There is also at least one photograph of it. The craft has a waterline length of about 23m (75ft) and has typical Russian double-hull construction. … Read More >….
WDT-71 SDV
**SDV projects from WTD-71 Aquatechnik**
Two-man SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle) built and tested by Wehrtechnische Dienststelle WTD-71 (Technical Center for Ships and Naval Weapons, Marine Technology and Research) in Eckemforde…. Read More >….
Barracuda stealth Special Forces interceptor
Specialist boat builder Safe Haven Marine have added the stealthy XSV-17 to their Barracuda series of Special Forces craft. The new design features a high speed surfacing planing hull with a wave-piercing bow which allows incredibly high speeds (60kt) while maintaning the impressive sea-keeping of the Barracuda series. Read More >….
BS-64_Podmoskovye
**New Russian Special Mission spy-sub**
Podmoskovye (‘Moscow Oblast’) is a Project 09787 DELTA-IV STRETCH ballistic missile submarine which has been converted into a host submarine for nuclear powered midget-subs. She was relaunched on October 22nd and is expected to join 29th Separate Brigade of submarines of the Northern Fleet at their secretive base at Olenya Guba (Deer Bay) on the Murmansk Oblast. She will be used as a Host Submarine for some of the midget submarines based there, most likely including the elusive Project 10831 LOSHARIK. … Read More >….
Keywords: GUGI, Spy Submarine, Losharik, DELTA-IV, Belgorod, Podmoskovye*
Dick Tuson
**SDV designer - K.R. 'Dick' Tuson**
Sad to learn of the recent passing of a British scientist who was instrumental in British naval/military diving and Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) projects in the 1960s. This article gives a brief overview of his designs. … Read More >….
Keywords: SDV, KR Tuson, AML, CDV, Jimdiving suit, Baptism, Pegausus, Jacques Cousteau, Dimitri Rebikoff
News_Roundup_Nov2016
News Roundup Oct16
Submersible Landing Craft
In the early 1990s British firm Seaforth Group proposed a range of underwater craft for amphibious operations, including the innovative S60 Submersible Landing Craft… Read More >….
Hybrid Narcosub
**New type of narco-sub**
Colombian Navy officials announced their forth Narcosub capture today. Like two so-called narcosubs captured earlier this year, it is in fact not a submarine. Nor is it a semi-submersible (as described in the press). It is actually a custom go-fast boat designed for speed. … Read More >….
Innovation -Unmanned Surface Board
There is a new trend in Special Forces transport which gives the little known World War Two and Cold War paddle board a modern makeover. Key to the advancement is the availability of high density reliable batteries and compact electric motors which allow the board to be self-propelled. ‘Jet boards’ are not just rich kids’ toys. . Read More >….
Lulea 1983
**Analysis of Swedish submarine incursion- Luleå 1983**
The Alvhults had stumbled upon one of the earliest and most interesting of the famous Swedish Submarine Incursions of the Cold War. Throughout the 1980s there were many similar sightings, and there were in fact some others in general area that day…. Read More >….
Russian X-Craft SPLT
Very little is known about the nine X-Craft built by the Soviet Union in the 1970s, and operated through the 1980s. The Project 1015 SPLC (aka SPLC) type was in some respects analogous to the British X-Craft midget submarine… Read More >….
Nessie
**Cos.Mo.S 'Nessie' Fast SDV**
The existence of the ‘Nessie’ Fast Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (FSDV) design has been discussed behind closed doors but it has only now suddenly come out of the dark thanks to a new article by expert Lino Mancini. Read More >….
COMSUBIN_Container
**Rare photo of COMSUBIN Special Forces container emerges**
A photo has emerged of Italian Navy U212 Class submarine Venuti with a Special Forces container fitted. Italy’s famous COMSUBIN Special Forces unit have a long history of maintaining extreme secrecy surrounding their extensive waterborne capabilities… Read More >….
AQAP improvised sea mines
Photos have emerged of improvised sea mines planted in Mukalla in Yemen by retreating Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) forces who left the port city in April this year. The mines were spotted by local divers and have been removed by divers from Hadrami Elite Forces-Anti-Terrorism Unit and the Coast Guard. The mines appear to be constructed from two pressurized gas canisters cut in half and welded end-end. The explosive contents and reason why they were not detonated by AQAP have not been revealed.
…. Read More >….
HVS-2 Swift hit
**UAE's Swift fast transport hit by missile**
The UAE’s Swift fast transport was struck by a rebel missile on 1st October 2016. Since the incident a clearer picture of the attack has begun to emerge. It still seems likely that the missile involved was a C802 Noor supplied by Iran…. Read More >….
Project 673 sub
**Soviet sailless super-sub**
The Project 673 submarine was designed as an interceptor boat, to be kept in port and sent out in the event of an intruding NATO submarine…. Read More >….
Secret sub- Narwal dry combat submersible
Germany has a reputation for building technologically sophisticated submarines. The West German “Klasse 740/03” Narwal Dry Combat Submersible (German Unterwassertransportgerät, UWTG) was built and operated in secret in the final days of the Cold War. It was designed as transport for kampfschwimmers (German Navy Special Forces combat swimmers) to targets along the Baltic coast, and for intelligence missions. Read More >….
North_Korean_VSV
**Very Slender Vessel (VSV)**
It is a myth that North Korean naval vessels are by definition clones of older Russia or Chinese designs. In fact North Korean naval architects have produced a long string of original designs, often with novel features. They have Semi-Submersibles, catamarans, Surface Effect Ships (SES) and now they have Very Slender Vessels (VSVs)…. Read More >….
USMI CCM
**A Special Forces boat USMI didn't advertise**
A new photo has emerged of a preiously unseen Combatant Craft Medium (CCM) special forces boat being tested by USSOCOM / NAVSOC…. Read More >….
DCS update
**USSOCOM testing Dry Combat Submersible**
The Italian made UOES3 (GSE Button 5.60) Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) during builder’s trials prior to USSOCOM acceptance. … Read More >….
Analysis -Russia seeks submarine advantage in Arctic
This analysis follows on from the Belgorod submarine analysis. A recent article in a Russian newspaper supports suspicions that Russia is planning a new network of naval installations in the Arctic. Together with other indications, this builds a picture of a program which one observer characterized as “turning the Arctic into Russia’s own back yard.” .. Read More >….
Carmon-1E midget sub
A little known or unreported 25m (82ft) midget sub is visible in 2005 satellite imagery of Primorsk near St. Petersburg on Russia’s Baltic coast. There is also at least one photograph of it. The craft has a waterline length of about 23m (75ft) and has typical Russian double-hull construction. … Read More >….
Comex Sagittaire
The Sagittaire was an innovative midget submarine design from French submarine builder Comex Industries. The 200 ton submarine came in two versions; a Special Forces Diver Intervention (DI) model and the torpedo armed Coastal Defense (CD) version…. Read More >….
LP-LC
**New Concept for Special Forces and Elite Units**
It used to be the case that operating at night was enough to give professional operators the advantage over irregular and conscript forces. But the proliferation of surveillance and targeting technology, often paired with medium anti-tank missiles, has started to close that chapter. I can now share an overview of a project which I am directly involved in… Read More >….
North Koreas next Ballistic Missile Sub
Making predictions is a fool’s business. Naval developments are constantly evolving and one year’s hot topic is the next year’s forgotten fad. Not to mention that naval architects are forever coming up with ingenious and unpredictable ways to achieve the same aim. North Korea’s recent successful submarine launched ballistic missile test and fifth nuclear test raise the question of how they will operationalize their submarine based capability. It is a question which has cropped up in a few places and is very interesting, so like a fool, here is my prediction… Read More >….
Wholphin X2 SDV
*HERE FIRST*
Continuing the prestigious SEAL Delivery Vehicle Mk.VIII Mod 1 lineage, the Wholphin SDV X-2 is the latest Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) from Huntington Ingralls (formerly The Columbia Group)… Read More >….
Bladerunner
*Royal Navy tests boat already operated by Iran*
The Royal Navy demonstrated the UK’s Maritime Autonomy Surface Testbed (MAST) unmanned surface vessel (USV) on the River Thames today. The craft utilizes the innovative British Bladerunner hull design from Ice Marine. The Royal Navy is the only operator of the autonomous Bladerunner, but they are not the first to navalize the type. Iran acquired a Bladerunner around 2009 and unveiled a local adaptation in 2010 as the Seraj-1 Class… Read More >….
Armored Stealth Boat
The ultimate smuggling boat is known as the Armored Stealth Boat (ASB). You read that correctly; this may sound too James Bond to be real, but it is… Read More >….
Nahang Class
After years out of sight, Iran’s sole indigenous Nahang (Whale) Class midget sub is confirmed still in service. The 24m (80ft) boat is visible in multiple sequential satellite images from Google Earth from Dec 2015 through to July 2016. Read More >….
Analysis - Sinpo Class Ballistic Missile Sub
17th April 2017
**North Korea's** *Polaris* (Gorae / SINPO Class ballistic missile submarine) A lot of things have changed since I first discovered the Gorae Class ballistic missile submarine (aka SINPO Class) in Google Earth imagery in October 2014. At the time, North Korea’s submarine launched ballistic missile (SLBM) program was only a rumor on the peripherals of the defense analysis community. Armed with these rumors the discovery of the submarine was not entirely a surprise, but it was an undeclared type as far as North Korea was concerned. Its existence had been kept a well-guarded secret. Perhaps under the previous ‘dear leader’ the project would have remained obscure, but in the new mood of bravado the type has been thrust into the limelight by the North Korean regime themselves. Along the way there have been plenty of questions about capabilities and some incredulity among observers. But with the latest August 2016 test launch been deemed successful it is now taken very seriously. As I have done all the long. .. Read More >….
USASOC folding Kayaks
It may come as a surprise that the US Army Special Operations Command (USASOC) has a requirement for Foldable Kayaks. Pioneered by the British during World War Two and associated with the British way of doing things throughout the Cold War (SBS, SAS), kayaks are rarely at the forefront of Special Forces today. However, in certain missions they remain relevant, and may be the first choice ahead of inflatable boats and RIBs….. Read More >….
SDV Mk9
**US Navy SEAL's torpedo armed mini-sub**
The SDV Mk.9 is unique among the US Navy SEALs submersibles because it could be armed with two heavyweight torpedoes. The type’s existence is well known within the Special Forces community (and among some observers), but very little specific information has reached the public. Most SEAL related books gloss over the covert world of SDVs. …. Read More >….
Analysis -threat of narco-subs in Middle East
Naval planners are doubtless considering the potential of ‘narco-sub’ technology being used by terrorist organizations in North Africa and the Middle East. The threat of this technology proliferating to terrorist and similar non-governmental forces has been highlighted several times, mainly with reference to smuggling arms and WMDs into mainland US from Central and South America. Narco-subs are already used extensively to smuggle narcotics from Colombia to Mexico on their passage towards US markets but despite the US coast being within range the ‘direct-to-market’ modus operandi has not revealed itself. And the threat of narco-subs being used to smuggle terrorist materials into US is currently unproven.
However, if there is one theater where we should expect to see the proliferation, it is along North Africa’s Mediterranean coast and in the Eastern Mediterranean…. Read More >….
XPOST -nuclear-dimensions-south-china-sea
[XPOST - ForeignBrief.com] To keep pace with the US’ improving anti-submarine capabilities and its ballistic missile defence program, China will seek to better protect its submarines in the South China Sea.
New Chinese Type-094A SSBN
The latest JIN Class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) appears to be a new sub-variant featuring a slightly larger hump-back and blended lines on the sail similar to the related Type-093A SSN…. Read More >….
Project 1910 UNIFORM Class
The Project 1910 Kashalot Class deep-submergence special missions submarine (NATO: UNIFORM Class) was introduced in the 1980s, analogous to the US Navy’s NR-1. … Read More >….
Hellenic Navy SDVs
**(X-Post from Naval Analyses)**
CosMoS CE2F were a series of Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) built by M/s Cos.Mo.S Spa. which was in Livorno of Italy. Cosmos is probably the most famous military wet-sub (chariot) / midget sub manufacturer in the world. … The Hellenic Navy (Πολεμικό Ναυτικό) purchased some SDVs of the CE2F/X60 model (perhaps four) in the late ’70s. In service, they were known as ΥΠ.ΟΧ. (Υποβρύχια Οχήματα). The CE2Fs are designed from the outset as a mean for attacking enemy warships in harbor as well as for other special operations….. Read more at Naval Analyses
SeaShadow DPV
The SeaShadow Diver Propulsion Vehicle (DPV) was developed specifically to meet US Navy EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) requirements…. Read More >….
USMC SDV history
Within the US Armed Forces, it is not just the US Navy SEALs who have a history of operating Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs). The US Marine Corps’ brief foray into operating the SDV Mk.7 ended in spectacular fashion on a golf course in Little Creek… Read More >….
ASDV-800
It’s not just USSOCOM who are revisiting the concept of Dry Combat Submersibles. Vogo Engineering designed the eight-man ASDV 800 (Advanced SDV)….. Read More >….
Rotinor DPV in Jason Statham movie
The trailer Jason Statham’s new movie, The Mechanic: Resurrection came out a couple of days ago. Sandwiched between the predicable fast action, fast women, grumpy looks and explosions was a brief glimpse of an underwater scene. Statham’s character (I thought he always played himself??) is seen on a sleek black underwater chariot. More specifically, a SeaBob diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) which is the civilian version of the Rotinor Divejet…. Read More >….
SharkMarine
In spite of navigation being probably the single greatest challenges to underwater operations, development has tended to emphasize the vehicle before the sensors. Traditionally for divers, sensor and navigation systems were subsystems of an SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle), or merely optional add-ons. Many smaller DPVs (Diver Propulsion Devices, hand-held SDVs) has virtually no instrumentation making long range missions underwater unviable. Not only is this changing, but the relationship between navigation systems and SDV is reversing; increasingly SDVs can be seen as an add-on to a navigation system. Nowhere is this more apparent than with Canadian manufacturer SharkMarine…. Read More >….
USS Halibut Cutaway
Work starts on XSV-17 Special Forces interceptor
Safehaven Marine (Website) have begun the manufacture of the new XSV 17m wave piercer design. The 60kts boat is a larger (17m / 56ft) version of their Barracuda series…. Read More >….
New video of WP-18 stealth Special Forces boat
A new video has been uploaded showing the world’s fastest naval vessel, the 70kt+ WP-18 Special Forces interceptor at speed. Gorgeous. 
Ortega Mk1A SDV testing
Dutch Swimmer Delivery Vehicle and Special Forces Diver technology company Ortega (website) have released a new video of their Mk.1A SDV being tested in Croatia. 
A brief history of the Enigma code and the pre-war cracking of it
Like a lot of pople I find Enigma and codebreaking fascinating, so I could not resist X-POSTing this from a computer programer’s blog. This guy actually built his own virtual Enigma and then cracked it programatically using modern computing power(!!!!)…
A lot of people now think that Alan Turing cracked the Enigma. A lot of people like to correct those people and say that it was the Poles who truly cracked the Enigma. So we really need to correct everyone and set things straight, because it was far more nuanced than that, with far more people involved, and different versions of Enigma were cracked even earlier. If you read enough about code breaking you end up with a fuzzy timeline in your head pieced together from all the various sources. Here’s what I’ve osmosed…. GO TO FULL ARTICLE
Covert Shores now on Twitter
Get your updates easier!…
Secretive Special Forces sub builder comes out of the dark
One of the world’s premier Special Forces boat/sub builders looks set to enter the export market. For over fifty years CABI Cattaneo has shunned publicity, building a range of cutting edge products for Italy’s COMSUBIN Special Forces with only minimal exports to an equally secretive customer base. That seems to be changing; CABI Cattaneo has come out of the dark… Read More >….
World survey of Special Operations Craft
In addition to submarines and Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs), naval orientated Special Forces are increasingly employing purpose-built high speed surface craft for insertion, extraction and mission support. … Read More >….
Russian IC16MII Type Assault boat seen in exercises in Crimea
Photos of a recent military exercise in Crimea show the Swedish designed IC16MII Type Assault boat in service with the Russian Navy. The photos were taken on May 20th and emerged on Russian language military forums and discussions. Read More >….
North Korean missile sub may have new base
Recent TV footage from North Korea’s suggests that the country’s sole Sinpo Class (aka Gonae Class) ballistic missile submarine (SSB) has relocated from the quayside at the factory where it was built, to an isolated peer at a submarine base. Analysis suggests that the new base is the major submarine base at Cha’aho (not on the island of Mayang-do as this post originally proposed). Read More >….
North Korean missile sub has new base
Recent TV footage from North Korea’s suggests that the country’s sole Sinpo Class ballistic missile submarine (SSB) has relocated from the quayside at the factory where it was built, to an isolated peer at a submarine base. Analysis suggests that the new base is the major submarine base on the island of Mayang-do. Read More >….
New type of Narco-sub
Just when you thought that the design of narco-subs had standardized, a new type arrives. On 20th May the Colombian and Ecuadorian forces intercepted a drug-laden narco-sub near the Galapagos Islands in the Pacific. The design is new and interesting in several ways. Read More >….
Diver Adaptable Autonomous Propulsion Vehicle
Another SDV revealed at SOFIC 2016 is Patriot 3 Maritime’s latest project, the Diver Adaptable Autonomous Propulsion Vehicle (DAAPV). Read More >….
Wreck found of submarine HMS P311 after 73 years
The wreck of wartime British submarine HMS P311 has finally been found by Italian divers near the island of Tavolora in Sardinia. She was lost with all hands between 30th December 1942 and 8th January 1943 while undertaking Operation PRINCIPLE. Read More >….
News round up- May 24
Proteus SDV shows new tail configuration The US DoD tests MANTAS armed unmanned underwater vehicles ALUSAFE 1100 Fast Interceptor demonstrated at SOFIC 2016 Russian Navy will receive more Raptors Mystery solved: Russian Navy patrol boats deploy to Syria
Chinese Reef Defense System
Read More >….
Special Forces tech- RG019 underwater nail gun
The RG019 underwater nail gun was developed in the 1970s to allow Russian divers (Spetsnaz, GRU/KGB…) to fix explosives to steel, wood and concrete. Read More >….
Special Forces tech -Combat Diver Navigation Module
Developed for the US and British military diver communities, the CDNM (Combat Diver Navigation Module) is basically the Google Glasses for naval Special Forces. Read More >….
Clever design- CSS-1 collapsible SDV
The concept of folding canoes is common in military circles, but conventional thinking has it that Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) are too large. Their bulk requires winches or cranes and dedicated trailers to transport them. The smallest SDVs, termed Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs) can be carried short distances by hand but have to sacrifice the streamlined fuselage altogether, leaving the swimmer exposed to the oncoming water. This compactness comes at a price because it reduces speed and thus range. Prolific Submarine designer Carsten Standfuss, best known for the EURONAUT wreck diving submarine, came up with a clever way around this problem. What if SDVs were collapsible also? Read More >….
XPOST -Narco-Subs Cartels and Law Enforcement
[XPOST - ForeignBrief.com] 2016 looks set to be a bumper year for narco-sub incidents.
Just last month, Colombian security forces discovered a 15-metre narco-sub in the jungle near the Pacific coast. A few weeks earlier, the U.S. Coast Guard published footage of a narco-sub intercepted off the Panamanian coast with 5.5 tonnes of cocaine on board, valued at $200 million. In March, an abandoned narco-sub was found stranded on a reef off the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico, its load of narcotics already unloaded by drug smugglers.
Narco-subs are purpose-built, semi-submersible drug smuggling vessels that operate illegally as ‘stateless vessels’. Most narco-subs are owned by Colombian drug cartels and operate as part of a transnational criminal network transporting cocaine from South to North America. 
<– Read full article on ForeignBrief.com
Read More >….
Soviet submarine device washes up on Hawaiian beach
This is not the sort of thing you expect to find washed up on a beautiful tropical beach. Looking deceptively like a bomb or small unmanned aircraft, the VBAU ‘Paravan’ communication buoy was a device towed behind Soviet submarines to allow them to communicate with their base without the whole submarine coming up to periscope depth. 
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Sad to report- Lt George Davies RM -RIP
After Operation DEFRAUD in the Burmese jungle in 1945 the patrol leader, Major ER Breen, wrote in the debrief
“I managed to collect a positively revolting gang of thugs from No.3 Troop whose sole object in life appeared to be the desire to put into practice all the non-British tricks learnt in unarmed combat, weapon firing… “
G A Davies was among those men.
Read More >….
Covert Shores News Roundup- 9th May 2016
Various things that have happened recently. Thank you to everyone who feeds me info. 
Read More >….
Russian Assault Boats head to Syria
Russian Naval vessels traveling from bases in the Black Sea to Syria, have to pass through the narrow Bosporus, a narrow strait between Europe and the Middle East. Turkey sits both sides of the strait, with the vessels passing directly through Istanbul. This means that Russian boats heading to Syria are closely monitored. This morning a Russian Naval vessel carrying two assault boats passed south toward Syria. 
Read More >….
Covert Shores Book out now
Until now, the underwater craft employed by the World’s Special Forces have been known only to a select few. Covert Shores is the first complete and documented insight into the little-known world of the mini-subs, Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) and other underwater vehicles used by the U. S. Navy SEALs, Special Boat Service, Spetsnaz, COMSUBIN, Shayetet-13, Recce Commandos, Commando Hubert, Clearance Divers, Kampfschwimmers and many more.
Read More >….
Improvised DIY gunboat in Libya
A photo has emerged which appears to show a vintage BTR-60 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) being converted into a gunboat. The conversion entails removing the wheels and building a crude boat hull around the entire vehicle. 
Read More >….
Covert Shores News Roundup- April 2016
Various things that have happened recently. Thank you to everyone who feeds me info. 
Read More >….
LTTE Sea Tigers sneak attack craft and midget subs
The Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE, popularly known as the Tamil Tigers) waged a bloody civil war with the Sri Lankan government from 1983 until 2009, when they were defeated. 
As the LTTE grew from a guerilla movement into a quasi-conventional army, they built up a naval capability as the Sea Tigers. They had a range of innovative and asymmetric capabilities, including explosive suicide boats, divers, semi-submersibles and crude submarines. This ongoing research attempts to make sense of the various LTTE craft photographed by both sides during and after the conflict. Read More >….
USSOCOMs new Dry Combat Submersible undergoing testing
Photos reveal the US Navy SEAL’s new UOES-3 Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) undergoing testing in Europe. Read More >…. 
New Vogo DPD-200 Diver Propulsion Device revealed
The new Vogo DPD-200 two-man diver propulsion device has been revealed at the 2016 DSA (Defense Services Asia) defense exhibition.
Vogo have an established product line of underwater special forces craft including three, eight and ten-man SDVs (Swimmer Delivery Vehicles). The DPD-200 is the first small transport in the line-up and is designed to transport men and personal equipment over short distances, such as between a midget submarine or larger SDV and the shore.
The DPD-200 fits neatly into the latest trends in Diver Propulsion vehicles (DPVs) and competes against the broadly equivalent Stidd DPD and JFD TorpedoSEAL.
Read More >…. 
New photo emerges of Yugo Class midget sub
Operating under great secrecy, photos of the North Korean made ‘YUGO Class’ midget submarines operated by the Vietnamese Navy are very rare. Two YUGO Class midget submarines supplied in 1997 and are operated by submarine unit M96. The deal included 16 torpedoes, 282 batteries and 8 mines. Although the torpedo type is not reported they are known to be of 1960s Soviet type, probably Type 53-56 rather than the more recent CHT-02D type.
Although the image only shows the upper surfaces, the outer doors of the twin 533mm (21”) torpedo tubes are clearly visible in the nose. The yellow object is a distress / communication buoy. The hatch halfway along the forward casing is for a diver lock-out chamber.
Read More >….
Exclusive -COMSUBINs elusive Rigid Inflatable Boat
The Italian Navy’s elite COMSUBIN Special Forces unit has a reputation for being ten years ahead of everyone else in the development of underwater craft. It has been that way since they invented the dark art of waterborne Special Forces during World War One. Their underwater craft are a well-guarded secret with few details available in public. And the same goes for their surface craft. Consequently, the RHIB (Rigid Hulled inflatable Boat) shown in this article is not something you can find information about on the web. Read More >….
Drugs running snorkel-sub found in Colombian jungle
The Colombian Navy has discovered its latest narco-sub hidden in the jungle along the Pacific Coast. Interestingly, this craft fits into the rare Snorkel sub category, and is closer to a real submarine than the typical Low Profile Vessels intercepted in the War on Drugs. Read More >….
Newsflash -two ships of the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries blown up in Misrata
Two armed ships operated by the Shura Council of Benghazi Revolutionaries (مجلس شورى ثوار بنغازي, Majlis Shura Thuwar Benghazi) were blown up at dawn on 31st March 2016 in Misrata. The ships were involved in supporting anti-government forces. Details are limited but it is rumored to be, and is consistent with, a limpet mine attack by Special Forces combat swimmers. Read More >….
Innovation -Medusa anti-piracy shipboard defense system
Anti-piracy ship defense may have changed forever. Imagine that you are a pirate sneaking up on a merchant ship. You approach from astern, or from directly ahead where you think the blind spot will be. Your unwashed friends are armed with rusting AK47s and an RPG7. As you approach you hear an unfamiliar roar of spraying water – it is not regular ship’s hoses, that sound you know. This is different. Suddenly, 80ft above your head and off to the side, far away from the ship itself, a machine opens up with pinpoint accuracy! You have attacked a sea monster, armed with tentacles and on the end of each tentacle is a machine gun.
Armed guards are probably still the best defense against pirate attacks on the high seas but failing that, the next best thing is probably the MEDUSA Shipboard Defense System from Innovative Sea Solutions. It is something entirely new and outside-the-box, combining a hydrojet pack with a remote weapons mount(!). Read More >….
Ha201 Sen-Taka-Sho fast attack submarine
During the latter stages of WW2 Japan information on the revolutionary German Type-XXI U-Boat. In Japan the technology was employed on the similarly advanced I-201 class which, as in Germany, were complemented by a smaller submarine with similar technology. This was the Ha-201 ‘Sen-Taka-Sho’ (High Speed Small Submarine). Read More >….
Jetboots Diver Propulsion System
Special Forces technology is always a hotbed for innovations with new ideas and products cropping up all the time. One disruptive innovation is the Jeboots Diver Propulsion System (DPS) from Patriot 3 Maritime (P3M). Read More >….
World survey of AIP submarines
There are currently over 50 AIP submarines in service around the world, with the number likely to double in the coming decade. The largest single operator is China. Read More >….
Styx riverine Special Forces craft
The Seawolf ERF1 Styx is a small riverine craft especially designed for Special Forces and elite forces in inland waterways. Aimed at the French market, it is particularly suited to the jungle and swamp environments that some units often find themselves in, particularly with the scaling back of operations in Afghanistan and the Middle East. Read More >….
United Nations Security Council report uses Covert Shores pic
It’s not every day that you can provide information to the UN Security Council! More seriously, it validates some of the original analysis posted on this blog. The United Nations Security Council has made public a report by The DPRK Panel of Experts advising on Sanctions in light of North Korean missile and nuclear tests. The Feb 2016 report centers on the May 2015 test launch of the KN-11 (“북극성-1” (Pukgeukseong-1)) ballistic missile and related Sinpo Class ballistic missile submarine (SSB). Page 22 uses an original illustration from this blog to show the submarine. And yes they did ask permission before using it, and of course the answer was an unequivocal yes. Read More >….
Infographic -North Korean MS-29 YONO midget sub
Ever since the loss of a North Korean submarine was reported on USNI News I have been trying to find out which type of submarine it was. I don’t have a definite answer, but the rumors (‘RUMINT’ as someone called it!) all point to an MS-29 YONO Class midget submarine, the same class credited with sinking the ROKN corvette Cheonan on 26 March 2010. Here is my quick infographic comparing the type to other North Korean submarines.
Torpedo SEAL diver propulsion device
Following the latest trend in wet subs (‘chariots’) the Swedish ‘Torpedo SEAL’ is designed to fit into a regular 533mm torpedo tube to allow easy deployment from minimally modified submarines. Two Torpedo SEALs can be carried in a single torpedo tube. The type has enjoyed significant early sales and is promoted by British firm James Fisher Defence (JFD) as part of the SEALPod range together with the SEALCarrier submersible RIB and SubSEAL SDV.Read More >….
Book Review -The Modern Russian Navy by Neil Harvey
This book is an up to date continuance of a much missed book format once typified by the Janes’ Warship Recognition Guides and handbooks and as such is an essential guide for any naval enthusiast. The book contains a mind-boggling range of submarine, warship and naval aircraft currently in service or construction for the Russian Navy.
Every major class is represented and almost every minor class too. By default classes get one page each with some spanning multiple sheets. Hull number lists with construction yards and service dates are provided, as are specifications and commentary. Each page has a color photo with a few side profiles and diagrams thrown in also. Highly recommended.
Available on Amazon
Vogo Chariot SDVs
Vogo Engineering’s SDV-300 and SDV-340 Swimmer Delivery Vehicles. 
Sad to Report -historic SDV scrapped by museum
One of only four remaining (now three!) wartime Italian Siluro San Bartolomeo (SSB) underwater chariots has been scrapped. From a historical standpoint the type is hugely important in the history of SDVs (Swimmer Delivery Vehicles) on both sides of the Atlantic. For years the craft was on display at the Submarine Forces Library in Groton, CT, USA. I had noticed that it was no longer on display, and have recently learned through a friend that it has in fact been scrapped. Read More >….
The last US Navy diesel subs -Barbel Class
When it was launched the USS Barbel was the most advanced attack submarine in the world in all respects except one; it’s powerplant. By the 1950s submarine design was going through a series of revolutions, undoubtedly led by the US Navy. German WW2 technology had kick started postwar submarine development, but new innovations in hull form and propulsion were led by the US.Read More >….
The famous CosMoS CE2F chariot
For much of the Cold War and beyond, within naval circles, the Cos.Mo.S CE2F was the prototypical two-man ‘chariot’. Based on tactics employed with devastating effect in WW2, it provided a means for a navy to neutralize a much more powerful foe before they’d even left port.Read More >….
Sea Chariot DPV
An interesting new Diver propulsion Device, this time from Israel.Read More >….
MSM-1S lock-out sub joins Technical Naval Museum at La Spezia
The Italian Navy’s MSM-1S / USEL deep sea rescue vehicle (DSRV) has been replaced in service by the SRV-300. The heavily built deep diving submarine has been spared the breaker’s yard and is now on display. As well as being on standby to rescue submarine crews, the craft was employed to investigate wrecks and train divers in lock-out and saturation diving, including the Italian Navy’s COMSUBIN frogmen who dove to 250m for extended periods of time. Read More>….
Special Operations Stealth Semi-Submarines demystified
The recent revealing of the Singaporean Navy’s stealth Specialized Marine Craft (SMC) highlights the gradual maturing and adoption of certain US designed semi-submersible and stealth technologies for Special Forces. This article builds on the popular post on the old Covert Shores Blog.Read More >….
Bonex DPVs as used by Kampfschwimmers
Bonex, a German diver propulsion vehicle (DPV) manufacturer, is known to supply several Special Forces units including the German Kampfschwimmers and Turkish SAT. 
Photos of elusive Korean SDV
Fresh photos of a well-kept secret, the South Korean CE3F three-man SDV.Read More>….
Russian Raptor SF assault boats arrive in Black Sea
Only a couple of weeks since the very similar Kalashnikov BK-16 assault Boat was spotted at a Special Forces base in Sevastopol More INFO, the Project 03160 ‘Raptor’ appears to be confirmed as also present.Read More>….
Desperate measures -Russian midget submarine of 1904
During the Siege of Port Arthur by the Imperial Japanese, the Russian defenders sought innovative ways to turn the tables on the enemy. And a hand built submarine seemed like the answer! A strong parallel to the Confederate defenders of Charleston can be made. Submarines, at the time uncertain weapons of war, represented a relatively cheap way to locally produce craft which could take on the enemy blockade. Submarines were however the preserve of creative and often eccentric engineers and although the Russian Navy tolerated the construction of the 25 ton Naletova submarine, they were reluctant to fund it. So it was built as a private enterprise by its designer. Read More >….
Cutaway of Narco submarine
The illustration shows the 24m (60ft) semi-submersible ‘snorkel sub’ discovered on 20th Oct 2013 in the jungle on the Ecuador/Colombian border. The design is innovative and unusual, and is one of only two true semi-submersibles captured. The vast majority of “narco subs” are Low Profile Vessels (LPVs) which cannot fully submerge. This boat cannot run fully submerged either and requires the snort mast to be above the surface. The hull is below the surface however and depth and trim can be regulated by flooding seawater into the ballast tanks. It can carry up to 8 tons of cocaine for thousands of miles, making trips from Colombia to Mexico or beyond. (see previous COVERT SHORES article)
Original artwork - CLICK for HIGH-RESOLUTION (3200px) image. 
SubCat Swimmer Delivery Vehicle
The SubCat is one of a series of virtually unknown British SDVs (Swimmer Delivery Vehicles) from the Cold War. Designed to carry two combat divers over long distances, the SubCat incorporated many innovations and was ahead of its time in several respects. …. Read More >….
Iranian Revolutionary Guards acquire 2 US Navy Riverine Command Boats
UPDATED: The ‘acquisition’ was short lived. Iran has released the two boats along with the crew. It remains to be seen whether the Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s navy (IRGC-N) will clone the Riverine Command Boat (RCB), a variant of the Swedish CB90 family. My guess is that it won’t be long before we see the Iranian version of the classic Combat Boat 90 (CB90), “100% developed in Iran”, being paraded by the IRGC-N. Read More >….
Unbuilt project – MSV-75 Special Forces submarine
The 1970s saw a resurgent German submarine (U-boot) industry, and the start of a period when they would dominate the export market. Typical German submarines, such as the ubiquitous Type-209, were relatively small diesel-electric boats but packed a big punch. Several other designs were even smaller however, and aimed at the Special Forces and special operations market which was at the time dominated by Italian firm Cos.Mo.S. One of the designs on offer was the Thyssen Nordseewerke MSV-75 (Multipurpose Submersible Vessel) ….. Read More >….
Unbuilt project MSV-75 Special Forces submarine
The 1970s saw a resurgent German submarine (U-boot) industry, and the start of a period when they would dominate the export market. Typical German submarines, such as the ubiquitous Type-209, were relatively small diesel-electric boats but packed a big punch. Several other designs were even smaller however, and aimed at the Special Forces and special operations market which was at the time dominated by Italian firm Cos.Mo.S. One of the designs on offer was the Thyssen Nordseewerke MSV-75 (Multipurpose Submersible Vessel) ….. Read More >….
Quiz - Combat Boats
Ever since the Swedish Combat Boat 90 (CB-90) hit the scene, the world of assault boats (fast landing craft etc) has not been the same. The CB90 set new standards of speed, versatility, accommodation, robustness and, importantly, style. Since then many firms have built craft in a similar vein. In fact, most are almost indistinguishable, which is what this quiz is about. Identify which CB90 clone is which. 
New Russian SOF base in Crimea
UPDATED: Over the last few days defense related Social Media has lit up with excellent intelligence on a new Russian SOF (or elite unit) naval base in Crimea. It’s a diminutive jetty previously used for civilian boats. What first caught people’s eye was the Russian copy of the Swedish CB90, the Project 03160 ‘Raptor’ Read More >….
Book Review - Commander Crabb - What Really Happened
The mysterious disappearance of Commander Lionel Crabb while conducting a covert underwater examination of a Soviet cruiser has gripped the public’s imagination for years. And the diving community too. An eccentric character, the uncertain circumstances, a botched MI6 cover-up and political embarrassment on an international scale came together in the perfect Cold War mystery. Previous books and media have almost exclusively focused on the most sensationalist and farfetched versions of the tale, including Conspiracy Theories. So this book, researched and authored by the Chairman of the Historical Diving Society, is a breath of fresh air. Read More >….
COMSUBIN trialing various Special Forces underwater equipment
The Italian Navy has published some very nice photos of COMSUBIN operating various underwater vehicles. None of these types are thought to be operational with the unit, but excellent photography. Read More >….
Narco-Subs spread to Brazil
The scene of cops swarming over a captured semi-sub (technically a Low Profile Vessel, LPV) deep in the South American jungle look familiar. It looks like a dozen similar drug busts spanning the last twenty years. But this is unique. Brazil is not known for Narco subs. In fact there have never been any found in the Brazilian rainforests; until now. Does this represent a one-off oddity, or a shift in the game? Read More >….
COBRA Semi-SWATH hybrid hull Small Tactical Craft
Lockheed Martin’s COBRA Small tactical Craft (STC) is a tactical transport/utility craft designed with extremely compact dimensions in order to be compatible with the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The catamaran hull is actually semi-SWATH with wave-piercing hulls below the waterline…. Read More >….
Thunderball - classic CosMoS SDV in classic Bond movie
UPDATED. The orange midget sub in Thunderball is actually a real SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle). I recently watched back-to-back Bond classics on a transatlantic flight which reminded me. The horrific jetlag was well worth it. The underwater battle scenes in Thunderball are timeless, and are relevant to SDV history in a couple of ways. Read More >….
Book Review - Iron Fist from the Sea
South Africa’s Seaborne Raiders 1978-1988.
This review is long overdue. I have read this book cover to cover, and found myself referring to it on multiple occasions since. It is a unique window into the secret history of one of the world’s most elite and accomplished ‘naval’ (they are Army!) Special Forces units. There is no other book to compare as far as 4 Reconnaissance Regiment (4RR) goes. Read More >….
Exclusive - Secret Submarine-Boat revealed
Italy is renowned for sleek and stylish speed boats. And acknowledged as a pioneer and world leader in underwater Special Forces technology. So it should come as no surprise that the elite Special Forces, COMSUBIN, operate some of the most powerful and impressive submersible boats in the world. But it will, because it is also one of the Special Forces community’s best kept secrets. Read More >….
Artwork - USN Special Boat Unit - Seafox
I got carried away with a side profile of the Seafox Special Warfare Craft Light… Read More >….
New Russian naval weapon - Status-6
Russian news sources ‘leak’ Russian nuclear Torpedo with special purpose submarines details Read More >….
11-11 We will remember them
News - Ortega Mk1 SDV trials
Ortega Submersibles, the Dutch SDV manufacturer, have uploaded a video of the prototype being put through its paces. It’s a gorgeous submersible canoe inspired by the WW2 British Sleeping Beauty. Read More >….
Classic Concept - underwater Cadillac
Advanced SDV - JFD SubSEAL
Dry Deck Shelters (DDS) operators are an elite club and only a handful of top-tier Blue Water Navies have this capability. Despite this the popular image of a SEAL Delivery Vehicle (SDV), made popular by the US Navy’s SDV Mk.VIII, is a small midget sub which specifically operates from a DDS. Therefore there are relatively few types designed from the outset for be carried into war in a DDS. The SubSEAL produced by Britain’s James Fisher Defense (JFD) is one of these SDVs…. Read More >….
Demystified - new low-profile Iranian SDV
Around this time of year it is usual for Iran to reveal a few more of its super weapons. Scared Defense Week occurs in late September and is accompanied by multiple military parades and static displays. Hidden amidst the dazzling array of missiles and UAVs, Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) do not get very much press attention (journalists being widely ignorant of what they even are!???!!!). This year was no different. But on display was a slick ‘new’ SDV with a low profile hull without any canopy or viewing ports. Here’s why it’s not actually new, but why it is still interesting…. Read More >….
Demystified - Taedong-B submersible infiltration craft
Iranian media and internet claims that it is of Iranian orgin are plainly mistaken. The design is a gradual evolution of small infiltration craft used to run agents into South Korea….. Read More >….
21st Century Human Torpedo - Gabler SDV
Dubbed the Sea Devil, Gabler’s two-man SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle) is a unique reintrepration of the Human Torpedo concept …. 
Proteus SDV
UPDATED : If you were wondering which SDV is the most advanced in the world…. 
Special Forces diver technoloy - DSG Supercavitating Ammunition
DSG Technology of Cyprus/Norway have developed a supercavitating underwater round which can be adapted for standard rifles, allowing Special Forces divers to fight both above and below the surface. Read More >….
News - Korea building new HDS-400 midget submarine
A few years ago South Korean submarine builder Hyundai unveiled the stunning HDS-500 midget submarine design. This week Janes’ reported that Hyundai had begun constructon of a 40m long midget submarine for an undisclosed customer. Read More >….
Forgotten Super Subs of the Cold War - Italian GST-23+
At the end of the Cold War a small firm from Italy promised to shake up the submarine world with pocket-sized AIP (Air Independant Propulsion) submarines. The designs represented a completely new way of constructing submarines. A series of prototypes proved the technology but the end of the Cold War combined with commercial factors consigned most of the designs to the drawing board. Today they are almost forgotten. This article deals with the GST-100 (aka LWT-23/27), 20GST48, S-300CC and MS-200 designs. Read More >….
Shark Subs - Shark Observation Vehicle
Not an SDV or military craft but interesting nonetheless. Read More >….
Return of the military canoe
Since WW2 folding kayaks have been a stable ingredient for most Western water-orientated Special Forces. The British and Australians who led the way but Germany and the United States also employed them. After the war they remained in British service and were slowly adopted by most major Western Special Forces including Italy, France, Israel, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and of course Germany. The stand-out exception is the US Navy SEALs who preferred inflatable boats although they have been toyed with by SEALs. The ubiquitous type is the German produced Klepper Mk.13 (aka Aerius) which was even adopted by the British and Australians - other manufacturers also make closely equivalent types and the term ‘klepper’ is applied to all. Military canoe operations were formed around the ‘Swimmer Canoeist’ concept originating in WW2 with what is today the Special Boat Service (SBS). Read More >….
WW2 - German AIP midget sub - Delfin
We think of Air Independant Propulsion (AIP) as a modern invention but German scientists were experimenting with closed-cycle subs in WW2. Read More >….
Book review - Americas Hidden Heroes
Refreshingly not another populist SEAL worship book but a serious history written by a real SEAL officer. Read More >….
USSOCOM - Naval Special Warfare update
US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) comtinue to be surprisingly open about their maritime procurement programs, giving regular updates on the progress of their surface systems, SDV programs and related capabilities. Read More >….
Panerai watch advert with great SLC Maiale footage
The history between the famous watch company and Italian Special Forces goes back to WW2. Although Panerai capitalizes on the heritage and connection, it is genuine and results in fascinating adverts. Must watch if only for the vintage human torpedo footage. Click to open in YOUTUBE:
How to draw sub cutaways in MS Paint
Apparently I am crazy to draw with these outdated tools but I like the hand-drawn look and feel. I don’t think that I can do a streaming any time soon, but I can share how I draw the illustrations old-school in MS Paint and shade in GIMP. Read More >….
USCG drug sub intercept video
The US Coast Guard has released a video of the moment it boarded a drug smuggling semi-submersible in July. Must watch.
Stalins Super Sub - Project P-2
A monstrously large submarine by any standards, the 5,360 ton P-2 design was to be equipped with both Ballistic Missiles and Cruise Missiles, as well as its own midget submarines. Read More >….
Russian Submarine found in Swedish waters - to be updated
Thanks to everyone who has given me a heads up on this. So many emails and questions - I will try to be useful between my day job and family life. A recent wreck of a 20m x 3m midget submarine has been discovered in Swedish territorial waters. UPDATE: It’s a Csarist submarine which sunk in 1916 Read More >….
Now available on Amazon - Covert Shores
Until now, the underwater craft employed by the World’s Special Forces have been known only to a select few. Covert Shores is the first complete and documented insight into the little-known world of the mini-subs, Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) and other underwater vehicles used by the U. S. Navy SEALs, Special Boat Service, Spetsnaz and more.
Operating under a blanket of secrecy, these craft have remained hidden and unrecorded in a way that no other class of military vehicles has. Covert Shores reveals the craft, units, missions and tactics of this unseen world. Spanning from 1776 to the present day, and covering activities in many countries including US, Great Britain, Italy, Israel, Russia, France, Germany, Yugoslavia and Sweden, this book is filled with tales of the ingenuity, resourcefulness, experimentation and cunning of those involved in the design and operations of these expert craft. A must-read for all military enthusiasts.
268 pages 8.5”x11” full color with over eighty original color illustrations.
.Read More >….
New Chinese Special Forces midget submarine
Weeks after I posted my round-up of Chinese Navy Special Forces subs and SDVs (Here>) a new type has come to light. Read More >….
SEALs + USSOCOM next generation sub UOES3
UPDATED Read More >….
New Croatian midget sub - Drakon 220
Croatia (formerly part of Yugoslavia) has a track record of impressive midget submarines. The industry has struggled since independence with the Croatian Navy retiring its submarine capability. A new improved version of the R-3E design (better known as the Una Class) is now ready for construction however Read More >….
N Korean ballistic missile sub capability
Eight months after we first identified it moored outside a secret submarine yard on North Korea’s eastern coast near the town of Sinpo, it is time to take stock of the regimes latest submarine development. Read More >….
Crocodile 250 midget submarine
continuing the lineage of the famous Cos.Mo.S SX and MG series midget submarines, the Crocodile 250 Class is Chile’s answer to resurgent interest in midget submarines for Special Forces and Littoral combat. Read More >….
Chinese Naval Special Forces projects and capabilities
Survey of Chinese midget submarines, Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) and Diver Propulsion Vehicles (DPVs). Read More >….
SDV history - finding a missing link
I recently had the good fortune to be allowed to view an archive of Swimmer Delivery Vehicles documents. It is held by the Historical Diving Society (Check them out! HDS website ) and covered several Cold War SDVs developed for the Special Boat Service (SBS) and Royal Navy Clearance Divers. Among the materiel were photocopies of old magazine articles collected by one of the leading engineers in the field, K.R. Tuson. I came face to face with an evolutionary missing link in the development of SDVs on both sides of the Atlantic. Read More >….
EMT Barracuda SDV
Revealed: FWS-1 to FWS-5 SDVs Read More >….
Covert Shores Book - progress update
The book is on time, currently undergoing final editing and proofing. I have yet to receive security Disclosure confirmation from the UK Gov but I am not expecting any surprises there. Read More >….
x-post - the-plucky-perch-hardy-frogman-steed
I came across this fantastic article n USS Perch, one of the first dedicated transport submarines for US Navy’s elite UDT and SEALs Read More >….
Iconic Cold War artwork of Edward L Cooper
I miss the fantastic artworks which accompanied DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) reports on Soviet developments in the 1980s. Artists such as Edward L. Cooper and Brian W. McMullin really brought the new equipment to life … Read More >….
Nautilus - homage to Jules Verne
There are very few fictional submarines which have a place in Naval architecture history. The Nautilus, an electric powered submarine conceived in the 1860s by author and visionary Jules Verne stands out. It was a window into the future and possibly an influence on subsequent real world designs. This is my interpretation of the design… Read More >….
Spy Sub - USS Seawolf (SSN-575)
During the Cold War US Navy submarines conducted numerous spying missions off the Soviet coast. Few were as audacious as Operation IVY BELLS where underwater wire taps were placed on Soviet military communication cables deep within Russia’s own back yard. Several specially modified US Navy nuclear submarines were employed, including the USS Seawolf. Read More >….
US Navy SEALs next generation SDV Mk.XI (SWCS)
Shallow Water Combat Submersible (SWCS) - US Navy’s and USSOCOM’s next generation SEAL Delivery Vehicle. Read More >….
Book Review - Operation Ivy Bells
Historical ‘fiction’ allows the author, former US Master Diver Robert G. Williscroft, to share the story of the most famous spy submarine mission of the Cold War. Read More >….
SDV news round-up
Latest Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV) news from around the world…. Read more ->…..
The World War Two SDV called Sleeping Beauty
The Motorised Submersible Canoe (MSC), popularly known by its codename the Sleeping Beauty, was among the world’s first Special Forces submersibles. During WW2 several hundred were built (under great secrecy) and were operated by British, Australian and US forces. >…..
Book Review - Project Quick Find
Project Quick Find is former US Navy SEAL Michael Wood’s first-hand account of the US Navy’s marine mammal program in the early to mid 1970s. >….
Book Review - Project Azorian
One of the very few authoritative books on the CIA led raising of the Soviet submarine K-129 which sank mysteriously at the height of the Cold War READ MORE
X-post - SDVs ops in Desert Storm
This interesting article appeared on a USN SEALs related blog that I follow. Retired SEAL Michael Wood gives a first-hand account of a close encounter during SDV ops as part of Operation Desert Storm.
FULL ARTICLE (link opens in new tab)
Dangers of the deep - submarine rescue
One night in October 1983 the almost brand-new Sava class boat Drava ran into serious difficulties in the Adriatic. Unseen by the crew a pin-prick sized hole has developed and the submarine started taking on water. As the water gained, the boat started to slowly sink. 
Dolphin SDV-X
The Dolphin Class advanced Swimmer Delivery Vehicle (SDV-X) was developed in the 2000s as a US export type based on the SDV Mk.VIII Mod-1 Gator Class SDV in service with the USN SEALs. 
Piranha SDV-X
The Piranha was a two-man SDV marketed by The Columbia Group in late 2000s: Read More
SDV History - US Closed-Cycle Energy Source SDV project
In the late 1980s, during the final days of the Cold War, the US Navy SEALs were looking towards a new generation of SEAL Delivery Vehicles (SDVs). One of the advanced designs in circulation was the Closed-Cycle Energy Source (CCES) submersible.
SDV History - Lesser known Anglo-French projects
Probably one of the sleekest SDV designs out there; a family of two, four and five-man diver transports developed by MAREX.
300mph home-build Supercavitating midget submarine
Ever fancied burning from Canada to France in 13 hours, under water? 
Spy Subs - New photo of Losharik
There are few active submarines as elusive as the Russian ‘Special Projects’ boat ‘Losharik’ so this new photo is something of a find! 
First DDS - Type-IIIA U-Boat
Although never built, the German Type-IIIA submarine was to be the first designed with an integral dry deck shelter for smaller vessels. 
Secret Sub - USS Halibut
The USS Halibut started life as a guided missile submarine performing nuclear deterrent missions at the height of the Cold War. She finished it as one of the world’s most secret submarines, performing covert missions close to Soviet shores including Operation IVY BELLS. For these operations she carried a new type of Navy Diver 
Naval Special Forces weapons quiz
A quiz which is much closer to the core of this website, the often exotic weapons associated with Naval Special Forces 
IS-MIX advanced mixed-gas rebreather
There’s very little information publicly available about the new IS-MIX rebreather, so here it is… 
NATO v Russia Quiz 1
If your airliner was buzzed by a jet, would you whether it was Russian or NATO? 
Revealed - INS Arihant SSBN
The Indian Navy’s indigenous ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant is kept in a covered dock and away from prying eyes. Until now. 
WW2 Midget Submarines Quiz 1
Think you know your Seehund from your X-Craft? Take the quiz! 
Worlds smallest ballistic missile sub
Intelligence analysts are ticking-off warning signs that the world’s smallest ballistic missile sub, the pocket-boomer UC3 Nautilus, is being readied for another test mission. She is hidden in plain view among the low profile sheds of Copenhagen’s port facilities, midway between the Naval Base and the Sewage Works.
Naval Spetsnaz in Hybrid Warfare
With the annexation of the Crimea to the recent submarine scare in Sweden, Russian special forces have come under renewed focus. Irrespective of whether Naval Spetsnaz have been involved in any operations during the ‘Hybrid War’, their capabilities are among those best suited to this kind of operatng environment. 
List of Warships sunk by sneak attack
A quick illustrated list of Warships (excluding auxiliaries and merchant ships) successfully attacked by Naval Special Forces. 
Warships sunk by sneak attack
A quick illustrated list of Warships (excluding auxiliaries and merchant ships) successfully attacked by Naval Special Forces. 
Assault Rifle Quiz 2
How well do you know assault rifles? Take the second part of the quiz! 
(Not taken Assault Rifle Quiz Part 1 yet? Take it first as a warm-up! Part 1 was easy… ;)
We will remember them
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Mystery Special Forces Sneak Craft
Do you know what these craft are? READ MORE
Assault Rifle Quiz 1
How well do you know assault rifles? Take the quiz! 
Advanced Swimmer Delivery Vehicle - SWUV
The first glimpse of the next generation Special Warfare Underwater Vehicle (SWUV, read ‘SDV’) for the French navy has arrived. This article covers the history and present trend in French Special Forces (Commando Hubert) submersibles.
Unit Insignia Quiz 1
How well do you know navy diving unit badges? Take the quiz! 
Russian Triton-NN SDV
The ongoing Swedish Incursions saga makes it a good time to share my illustration of the Russian Triton-NN submersible boat 
Book Project
COVERT SHORES
[working title] will be a unique look at the shared history of the SEALs, Special Boat Service (SBS), Underwater Demolition Teams (UDT), Clearance Divers, Naval Spetsnaz, Flotilla 13, Commando Hubert, COMSUBIN, Decima MAS, 4RR Recce Commandos, 82 Maritime Unit and more, and the secret and mostly unknown craft they employed. Also Midget Submarines and Special Mission Submarines. READ MORE
Swedish incursions 2014
It seems that we are back in the Cold War when Soviet subs were accused of routinely compromising Swedish sovereignty. As news breaks on the latest incursion I have done a quick round-up of the possible candidates in this latest episode.
Un-Boot
Google maps reveals Kim Jong-Un’s new ballistic missile submarine. Read More >….
Book Review - NSW US Navy SEALs
THE authoritative SEAL / UDT / SBU / SDVT book. READ MORE
Book Review: Clearance Diver by Tony Ey
FIVE STARS!. Clearance Diver by former Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Chief Petty Officer Tony Ey An excellent read, very funny in places and very well written. The author has an easy writing style that sucks you in to the narrative providing a rare insight into the world of elite ‘special forces’ units. Books like this also serve a vital role in recording the history of these under-documented units and it’s great that the author can do this in an entertaining way without unduly stretching the stories. So a very valuable book from a historical perspective also. READ MORE
Book Review - Clearance Diver by Tony Ey
FIVE STARS!. Clearance Diver by former Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Chief Petty Officer Tony Ey An excellent read, very funny in places and very well written. The author has an easy writing style that sucks you in to the narrative providing a rare insight into the world of elite ‘special forces’ units. Books like this also serve a vital role in recording the history of these under-documented units and it’s great that the author can do this in an entertaining way without unduly stretching the stories. So a very valuable book from a historical perspective also. READ MORE
Return of the Battleship: Zumwalt
Battleships are large armored surface combatants armed with a battery of heavy guns. In their heyday battleships were the most powerful vessels in the world and vital for naval dominance and power projection. The last were built in WW2 when they were already being eclipsed by the aircraft carrier, and few remained in service after the war. Twenty two years after the last true battleships were retired in 1992, the USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) restarts history. 
SDVs - terms of reference
The term SDV (Swimmer Delivery Vehicle) was coined by the US Navy in the mid-1960s and quickly spread to certain allied forces such as the British SBS. But what does it mean, and how do you describe different features of SDVs? What’s the difference between an SDV and a minisub? And when is an SDV actually a DPD, or DSV???
Links
Recommended websites
Cutaway-of-1912-Submarine-Patent
**Impressive Submarine Patent of 1913**
When Edward Lasius Peacock patented a “Submarine Or Submersible Torpedo Boat” he was sharing one of the most impressive, and ambitious, submarine designs of the period…
Read More >….
Questions about the Russian Navy Zircon Hypersonic Missile
**Russia's Much Vaunted Zircon Hypersonic Missile Launch: Not All It Seems?**
In the race to field hypersonics, Russia is forging ahead by rolling out the 3M22 Zircon missile to its Navy.
But there is a catch…
Read More >….
Barnes_Wallis_Heyday_Rocket_Torpedo
**British 'Heyday' rocket torpedo**
British scientist, engineer and inventor Sir Barnes Neville Wallis CBE is best remembered for inventing the bouncing bomb which was used by the Royal Air Force in the Dambusters raid (Operation Chastise). He worked on a wide range of projects however, including hydrodynamics. This article is about his rocket torpedo… Read More >….
Lockheed Dry Combat Submersible
Out of date.Read More >….
Chinese_Swimmer_Delivery_Vehicle
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leonardo_da_vinci_Submarine
**Leonardo da Vinci's submarine designs**
Dark_Shadow_SDV
Article removed
Project_09852_Belgorod
**Pending: Covert Shores update on Belgorod and Poseidon**
Placeholder – expect major updates and fresh analysis in next days or weeks…… Read More >….
Unique Pedal Powered Smuggling Submarine
When I write about smuggling submarines, it is normally about the Narco Subs found in Latin America. But there are other places were there were, or have been, circumstances to cause smugglers to use similar devices.
Switzerland also has its fair share of smuggling history.
Read More
Pr885M_Kazen_Zircon
WIP
Update - Covert Shores book release soon
Quiz - SecretProjects 1
Off-topic hosted Quiz - combat aircraft that never entered service
Seabed_SKIFF_SLBMs
**Russian Seabed Nuclear Missiles**
There are credible reports that Russia has deployed some of its nuclear arsenal to unmanned seabed positions to increase their survivability…. 