(Seoul = Yonhap News) Reporter Kim Jun-tae = The Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced that they held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Jangbogo-III Batch-II third submarine at Hanwha Ocean in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, on the 30th.
The ceremony proceeded with the reading of a safety prayer for the site’s safety, followed by cutting the steel plate to be used for constructing the submarine.
The ‘Jangbogo-III’ project is a next-generation Korean submarine development project, and ‘Batch’ refers to a group of ships of the same type being built. With each batch, from Batch-I to II and III, the performance improves.
The Batch-II 3,600-ton submarine is a diesel-powered submarine, measuring 89m in length and 9.6m in width. It is larger in tonnage and about 5.5m longer than the Batch-I Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarines.
It is reported that while the Batch-I class submarines have six submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) vertical launch tubes, the longer Batch-II class will have up to 10. However, the military has not disclosed details regarding the SLBM launch tubes, considering them confidential.
Additionally, the Batch-II class is equipped with an enhanced combat system and sonar (sound navigation and ranging) system, improving detection and target processing capabilities compared to the Batch-I class.
Lithium-ion batteries, which have a longer lifespan than the lead-acid batteries installed in the Batch-I class, are also equipped, allowing for longer sustained operations underwater.
The Jangbogo-III Batch-II third submarine is scheduled to complete construction by 2029, undergo trial runs, and be delivered to the navy by 2031.
Lee Sang-woo, head of the DAPA Korean Submarine Project Group, stated, “We will continue to collaborate and communicate between the civilian, government, and military sectors to ensure the timely acquisition of the submarine, which is a core asset for our military.”