North Korea: Satellite Photo Reveals New Air-Cushioned Vessel
August 05, 2010
A new North Korean air-cushioned warship has been spotted by satellite photography, reports the Yonhap News Agency (Seoul).
A Google Earth photo is said to have showed the vessel, possibly based on older air-cushioned landing craft in North Korean service, stationed at the western port city of Nampo near the Daedong River.
The new ship is about 112-feet (34-m) long, about 46 feet (14 m) longer than the older landing craft, according to a South Korean military source.
The photo reportedly shows the warship armed with a 57-mm cannon on the bow and a 30-mm gun on the stern. The craft is estimated to be able to reach speeds of up to 56 mph (90 kmh), according to an unnamed military source.
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China reportedly refused a request for J-10 fighter jets made by North Korean leader Kim Jong Il in May, reports Chosun Ilbo (South Korea).
Kim is said to have made the request to Chinese President Hu Jintao.
Kim was refused, but told that China would protect and support North Korea if it were to be attacked, said a high-ranking North Korean source.
Kim fears a military reprisal for the March sinking of the South Korean warship Cheonan, according to a former North Korean official who defected.
The J-10s would have helped counter U.S. and South Korean F-15s and F-16s, said the defector.
Paid Military Periscope subscribers can get more information on the J-10, F-15 and F-16, respectively, at:
http://www.militaryperiscope.com/weapons/aircraft/fighter/w0005307.html
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