South Korea plumbs the ocean depths
South Korea is ploughing forward into unmanned technologies for surface and underwater craft. Indeed, its most ambitious dream yet is to create an unmanned nuclear-powered submarine as part of its embrace of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) released its Novel Weapon Systems Yearbook on 20 January, and one of the 21 conceptual project mentioned in it was an unmanned nuclear depot submarine.
The stealthy vessel could dive to depths of 1,000m and move at a top speed of 60km/h. The yearbook stated the ‘submarine depot ship can operate without personnel through the use of a
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Singapore expands maritime presence with future-ready Sentinel OPV
Singapore is building space for uncrewed systems and future technologies into its new Sentinel-class OPVs, reflecting a wider move towards adaptable vessels capable of maintaining persistent maritime presence.
-
Israeli Navy looks to expand as war reshapes future force requirements
Israel’s navy is preparing for a larger and more technically diverse role, but its ambitions could be impacted by supply chain restrictions, accelerating demand for domestic naval production as well as autonomous maritime capabilities.
-
Competitive P17B tender marks a shift in Indian Navy frigate procurement
The Indian Navy's P17B programme is expected to combine greater weapons capacity with a competitive domestic construction model, although key systems could remain dependent on international supply chains.