South Korea Launches First Changbogo-III Submarine

SOUTH Korea’s Hanwha Ocean launched the first 3,600-tonne submarine of the Changbogo-III Batch-II-class submarines, also known as the KSS-III programme. Named after the iconic Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) engineer Jang Yeong-sil, the 89-metre-long Batch-II submarine is part of the KSS-III programme to acquire advanced diesel-electric attack submarines.

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) and Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said, the Jang Yeong-sil is a world-class diesel submarine and a core strategic asset with enhanced capabilities to respond to various maritime threats.”

Compared to the 3,000-tonne Batch-I class submarine that has been commissioned for active duty, the larger submarines have enhanced detection and strike capabilities. It is expected to have more vertical launch tubes for submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), in comparison to six known launch tubes in the 3,000-tonne Batch-I submarines that have been commissioned.

The Changbogo-III submarines will be vital to the ROK Armed Forces’ maritime three-axis deterrence system, notably the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform designed to eliminate key North Korean nuclear and missile targets if there are clear signs of intended use.

The new submarine is set to be delivered to the Navy at the end of 2027 while two more are also under construction.”The ROKS Jang Yeong-sil is anticipated to substantially contribute to South Korean submarines becoming key strategic assets for global security and peace, as well as boost defence exports,”DAPA KSS Programme director-general Lee Sang-woo said.

Hanwha Ocean is among one of the two preferred bidders, along with Germany’s TKMS for a major Canadian submarine procurement. Under the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, Canada looks to procure as many as a dozen submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) as one of the largest conventional submarine procurements in modern history with an aim to receive the first new vessel no later than 2035.

Hanwha Ocean and Babcock Canada signed a teaming agreement last month,  which follows an MoU and Technical Cooperation Agreement signed between Babcock and Hanwha Ocean in 2021 and 2022 respectively, Babcock becomes the exclusive In-Service Support partner that will support Hanwha Ocean on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP).

Media reports stated that Canada’s prime minister Mark Carney will visit Hanwha Ocean’s facilities while visiting South Korea for the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the Gyeongju next week.

A Babcock press release stated, “To successfully enter service by 2035 and operate a fleet of up to twelve submarines from coast to coast to coast, significant programme investment and commitment will need to be made while the chosen submarine platform is being built. The opportunity to have Canada, the submarine builder, and an experienced Canadian submarine in-service support contractor working together through the build programme will ensure Canada is best prepared to sustain its future fleet and deliver operational availability when and where the RCN needs it.”

“This Teaming Agreement enables both leading marine organisations to combine their respective capabilities in shipbuilding and submarine in-service support to deliver a sovereign Canadian sustainment solution that will support Canada’s future fleet of submarines from build to decommissioning.”

“Notably, Hanwha Ocean can deliver the first KSS-III Combat Patrol Submarine in just six years, followed by additional units at a pace of one per year. Assuming a contract award in 2026, four submarines can be delivered by 2035 – with the first delivered in 2032. This unmatched delivery schedule provides Canada with the fastest path to a new and greatly enhanced submarine capability.”–-shp/adj/dl (Pix:ROKN)