Seoul: The Republic of Korea launched its first 3,600-tonne-class naval submarine on Wednesday, marking a significant advancement in the military’s Changbogo-III or KSS-III programme aimed at acquiring advanced diesel-electric attack submarines to counter maritime threats.
According to Emirates News Agency, compared with the 3,000-tonne Batch-I class submarine already in active duty, the new 89-metre-long Batch-II submarine is larger and equipped with enhanced detection and strike capabilities. These upgrades allow the submarine to maintain stealth for extended periods. The submarine’s combat system, acting as its brain, and its sonar system, functioning as its eyes, have both been improved for better information processing and target detection. Furthermore, lithium-ion batteries enable longer and faster underwater operations.
Sound absorption technologies have been incorporated to enhance the submarine’s stealth, and more homegrown equipment has been used to ensure stable operations. The new submarine will feature an increased number of vertical launch tubes for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, exceeding the six tubes equipped in the 3,000-tonne Batch-I submarines currently commissioned.
The submarine is slated for delivery to the Navy by the end of 2027, with two additional 3,600-tonne-class submarines also under construction.