An army that prefers death to captivity
I am always struck by our willingness to accept the point of view of other people. Just because "everyone thinks so." Agree, most of us, without thinking, when assessing the situation, they begin to count the number of missiles tanks, aircraft and other weapons. Compare performance characteristics of equipment and weapons. Just because our head clearly laid a simple, but true, thought. Who is more modern weapons, he will win.
And most importantly, we completely forget about our own stories and own examples. We forgot about Panfilov ... We forgot about the militia near Moscow. We forgot about Leningrad ... That you can kill a person. But to kill the people, his army, his soul is impossible ... For some reason, we decided that only our prerogative was to die.
We decided that the Japanese kamikazes had disappeared. We decided that “Brandenburg-800” had no heirs left. We decided that the war solves the technique! Someone argue? It's true!
In order to clarify the situation at the moment, I decided to tell you about the North Korean army. And to tell at a level that only journalism can afford, which “can afford”. Immediately apologize for the fact that the information that I will present, most often from foreign sources. North Korea is a complicated country. A country that has forgotten how to believe. And ... a winning country. All that can be classified is classified.
One of my close friends, from those who do not particularly care about the "linearity" of their language, "chopped off" me on the move ... "Breaking off to the tops? Temko taking a knowingly winning one" ... No. I always take themes and take only those that are interesting to my readers. That is why at the beginning of my articles I often quote friends-readers. Today you are Trump. It is this information that tells the American president about the potential of the Korean army.
So, the first thing that a not very literate western man faces is the problem of finding the Korean Peninsula on the world map. Where is this peninsula?
But the fun begins further. Such a small, almost imperceptible pimples on the Asian continent? Moreover, half is already ours ... There remains a perfect "microbe". And all the power of the American army broke her teeth there half a century ago? Can not be. The Western world can destroy this microbe with one sneeze ...
Only in life it turns out differently ... A small imperceptible microbe can create big problems for a large, highly organized living organism ... It can simply kill this organism. That's about it and talk.
I'll start with the simplest and most unexpected information. The army of North Korea possesses the 5 army in the world at the moment. Stronger, and only in terms of the parameters about which I wrote at the beginning of the article, only China, Russia, the USA and India. Strange? Not at all. I will now try to explain the origins of this situation. Two examples are enough for this. Examples that are intended to show not only the sources of the power of the North Korean army, but also the sources of our attitude towards Koreans in general.
15 March 1946 for the first time the Korean people celebrated their national holiday - the 27 anniversary of the anti-Japanese movement. Crowds of Koreans went to the central square of Pyongyang to take part in a demonstration. The city is decorated not only with Korean, but also with Soviet flags.
On the government platform, Chairman of the Provisional People's Committee, Kim Il Sung, members of the government and a member of the Military Council of the USSR 25 Army, Lieutenant-General Lebedev. And, as is customary to write in official reports, accompanying persons.
The demonstration went on as usual. Crowds of Koreans flowed across the square festive river. Played music. And suddenly ... From the crowd of demonstrators, a grenade flew to the government platform. One of the participants in the student column with 10-15 meters threw a grenade right under Kim Il Sung's feet.
Soviet junior lieutenant Yakov Novichenko was saved from the death of the Korean leader. Sibiryak, past the crucible of the Second World War, instantly assessed the situation and made the only correct decision. He caught a grenade in flight and covered it with his body. Except Novichenko himself, no one was hurt.
This was somehow not customary to talk about before. Made a man feat - and what? He is an officer. This is probably correct. But over time, such feats are forgotten. And Yakov Novichenko did not die. He was saved ... Port Arthur! Not the port we remember. The officer was saved by the book by Alexander Stepanov "Port Arthur", released in 1944 year. It was this book that the junior lieutenant read before the demonstration. And it is this book that he, by the old Soviet boyish habit, hid under a belt. A torn right arm, an injured eye, multiple injuries to the feet, chest injuries, numerous injuries throughout almost the whole body ... But the thick book did not allow the fragments to hit the internal organs (http://www.sovsibir.ru/news/163446).
It was the first of many attempts on Kim Il Sung ...
The second episode from the history of North Korea is related to Pyongyang Seoul's otvetku. 21 January 1968 of the year. Seoul The residence of the President of South Korea Chonvade. At the beginning of the eleventh, the police noticed a group of soldiers in the form of a ROKA (Republik of Koreas Army). Naturally, the police decided to check out the outgoing military ...
A routine check turned into hell. "Soldiers" responded with heavy fire. During the shootout, the police managed to destroy the 5-x and take one alive (https://rg.ru/2013/01/24/inzident-site.html). However, the police could not interrogate the prisoner. Right before the eyes of the escorts, he committed suicide ... I do not want to write in detail, but suicide was cruel ...
A large-scale counter-sabotage operation began. From January 21 to February 3, the North Korean 28 Special Forces were destroyed. None of the North Korean 124 military personnel surrendered. Two returned back ... The loss of the South Koreans was 140 people. About half of them killed ...
Many readers from those interested in the armies of the world, after becoming acquainted with the North Korean army, were in some kind of stupor. The army, which is armed at the level of 70-80-ies of the last century, the army, whose component parts are more suitable for the museum than for battle, inspires respect. And the most interesting, experts understand that this is a strong army.
The population of North Korea is just 25-26 million people. No accurate data. However, there are other data. The army of the DPRK is approximately 5% of the total population. These are those who are currently on active duty. In addition, another 25-30% of Koreans are in the service in the militias. From here it is not difficult to calculate the combat strength for the initial period of the war.
According to American data, the DPRK army today is about 1150000-1250000 people. The reserve that the DPRK will be able to collect in the first days after the outbreak of hostilities is approximately 8-8,2 million people. As many more during the first 3-5 days ...
But there are other data. 99% of Koreans served in the armed forces and make up the reserve army of the DPRK. Even veterans will stand in line in the event of the start of real hostilities. In almost any Korean city, you can read the national motto or national idea: “The army is in the first place!”
Consider the Korean army more closely. I must say that the figures that will be given in the article are rather relative. Closeness of the country does not contribute to the good work of intelligence of the enemy.
Ground troops.
Unlike most armies in the world, North Korea adheres to the traditional views on the war. The command continues to believe (in my opinion, quite reasonably) that the main force of the army, those who captured the territory, repel enemy attacks, serve "on the ground." In the land forces. It is the infantry that ultimately determines the outcome of the war.
Today in the DPRK army there are, according to various sources (from and to):
Personnel: 950 thousand. - 1 million. Pers.
Tanks (different modifications) - 4200-4300 units.
Artillery guns - from 8600 to 8700 units.
Multiple launch rocket systems - from 5500 to 5600 units.
For the most part, this whole technique is outdated. These are Soviet or Chinese 50-70-s samples. Although, judging by the April 16 parade, more modern technology is emerging. Serious enough.
Particular attention should be paid to the artillery of North Korea. Paradoxically, it sounds, but it is the artillery today that can ensure the victory of the DPRK in a fight with Seoul. The fact is that the guns are located in the border areas. And they practically have the opportunity to deliver direct blows right at the capital of South Korea.
In addition, these types of guns are very difficult to destroy or somehow neutralize using modern EW tools. A traditional in such cases, air strikes or other types of fire impact can not really destroy the guns. During the confrontation, the DPRK perfectly equipped firing positions. Created a powerful system of underground structures along the line of demarcation. Underground passages, according to the same Americans, stretch almost to Seoul.
Many analysts doubt the size of the army. To maintain such an army for the economy is quite expensive. And a country that is virtually under its sanctions is simply impossible.
The answer to this paradox is simple. In addition to combat training, the army is engaged in quite peaceful affairs. Soldiers are building houses, farming, working in factories ... But they are located in areas that are close to the line of demarcation.
Navy.
The smallest part of the North Korean army. According to experts, seafarers in the DPRK only about 60 thousands of people. And the country cannot boast with the power of the ships.
430 patrol vessels.
260 amphibious ships,
20 mine ships
70 (approximately) submarines.
40 craft support.
I understand the skepticism of "sea wolves." With such fleet to fight with the Americans or the Japanese? .. And who said that the DPRK is going to fight with the Americans in the oceans? For example, take hovercraft. Yes, in a confrontation with large ships, this is not the enemy. And for the landing in South Korea? To capture the islands? Is there something better?
Similarly, the situation with the submarine fleet. Just a few submarines - multipurpose. The rest - small and ultra small classes. Submarine coastal action. And in this capacity they are simply invaluable. Especially considering the coastline and a huge number of bays and grottoes. A boat located in a bay or bay with low visibility and little noisy diesel engines poses a serious danger to the ships of the enemy.
And to ensure the normal functioning of the fleet, the DPRK has about a dozen naval bases in different parts of the country.
In general, the DPRK fleet copes today with its main tasks. Ensures sufficient coastal defense and quick troop transfer to South Korea. And the new ballistic missiles of the submarine base shown on April 16 show that the fleet has also been replenished with submarine missile carriers. Consequently, Pyongyang is serious about the attempts of Japan to dominate the region.
Air Force
Aviation North Korea is probably the weakest link in the army. Although the number looks quite acceptable.
Personnel - 110-115 thou.
Combat aircraft - more than 800.
Transport aircraft - more than 300.
Helicopters - 300.
The most modern aircraft of the DPRK are the MiG-29 (purchased in the USSR), the MiG-23 and the Su-25 ... The rest of the aircraft equipment is even older. So, our oldies An-2 are still used in transport aviation.
However, even such planes are capable of striking targets in South Korea. The fact is that most combat aircraft are located on airfields located near the border. At a distance of 100 km. Accordingly, they do not have time to quickly respond to the lightning-fast air raid of the Republic of Korea.
Air defense.
Air defense units are organizationally part of the ground forces. Or the Air Force. Therefore, it is impossible to talk about exact numbers. However, realizing that the Air Force will not be able to provide protection against enemy air raids, the North Koreans pay great attention to air defense weapons. Of the most modern in the DPRK, systems similar to C-300 are noted. But their number is rather limited. Like the C-200.
But the barrel air defense artillery is really good. There is everything. From ZSU to the most powerful anti-aircraft 100-mm gun in the world. That, in principle, will provide quite a worthy reception for uninvited “guests”. Especially attack aircraft and helicopters. DPRK leadership well studied the actions of the American army in Vietnam.
Special Forces.
The lag in most positions from the armies of the neighbors caused a special attention to these parts. The elite of the Korean army. Trained and dedicated fighters.
According to various estimates, the DPRK special forces today comprise from 180 to 200 thousand people. Most units are designed to throw into the rear of the enemy. It is operations in the rear, according to the command of the army of the DPRK, that can provide a turning point in the confrontation with a strong adversary.
The main part of the special forces - army special forces. But there are elite units. In particular, I spoke about one of these divisions at the beginning of the article. These units today, despite the truce, conduct reconnaissance and other operations in South Korea.
The question arises about how to penetrate the territory of the opposing state. Ways are traditional. Or on foot, using gaps in the line of demarcation. Or by sea. With the help of ultra-small and small submarines and hovercraft. There is also an exotic. Underground passages. According to some testimonies, in order to become a fighter of an elite special forces unit, one must necessarily visit the south.
There is another major feature of the North Korean army, which distinguishes it from the South Korean. This is the psychology of the winners. In this, Koreans are similar to us. And these are not beautiful words. The soldiers of this army organically combined the seemingly incompatible things. National traditions, a kind of ideology, features of a national character, Any Korean will tell you about the exploits of his fathers and grandfathers in the struggle against the Japanese, with the Americans, with the South Koreans.
The cult of heroes in the DPRK is everywhere. They are honored. They are glorified. Any boy wants to serve in the army and accomplish the feat in the name of the people. Women are not far behind men either. The morale of the army is so high that being captured for Korean soldiers is tantamount to shame for the whole family. Victory or death.
Perhaps that is why a small, not rich and not fully developed in the modern sense of the country could, probably, the only one in the world, successfully resist the United States and other "democratizers". She was able to preserve originality and her own originality.
Perhaps that is why the saber-rattling of the new US president is calmly perceived by Pyongyang. Koreans on their land and will not give it to anyone. And judging by Trump's confusion, the Americans also understand this. Fighting an opponent who is not going to surrender or retreat is more expensive. There will be a lot of blood coming.
At the moment, North Korea looks like a cornered cat. A cat that in such a situation turns into a tiger. And do not take it into account more expensive. For all.
Information