South Korea displays domestic technology capabilities with KSS-III submarine launch
The new attack submarine was launched at Geoje shipyard on Wednesday. (Image: DAPA)
Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Yeong-sil is the Republic of Korea Navy’s first 3,600t submarine and is the first of three boats in the military’s KSS-III programme.
This week marked the launch of the first KSS-III Batch II submarine, named Jang Yeong-sil (SS 087), for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).
Designed by Hanwha Ocean and unveiled at the shipbuilder’s Geoje dockyard in the province of South Gyeongsang, the hunter-killer submarine (SSK) is indigenous to South Korea and represents a significant advancement in the country’s defence capabilities against threats from North Korea.
The new 89m-long, 3,600t submarine is the first of its kind for the ROKN, with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) describing it as “a core strategic asset with enhanced capabilities to respond to various maritime threats” on
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
-
![As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging]()
As uncrewed naval systems advance, capabilities to counter them are emerging
Research programmes and system procurement efforts to counter uncrewed surface and underwater vehicle threats are accelerating as naval drone uptake spreads.
-
![US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027]()
US Coast Guard to receive the first three Offshore Patrol Cutters in FY2026 and FY2027
After recording a nearly six-year delay in the OPC schedule, the USCG intends to advance with the programme, reaching multiple milestones in the short term.
-
![Japan’s first warship sale opens door to future exports but comes with strings attached]()
Japan’s first warship sale opens door to future exports but comes with strings attached
Australia’s selection of an upgraded Mogami-class frigate marks Japan’s first-ever export of a major surface combatant. With an ambitious 2029 delivery target, the deal could open the door to further naval exports – but inexperience and geopolitical friction with China loom large.
-
![Lockheed Martin confirms 2029 target date for US Navy’s Aegis/PAC-3 MSE integration]()
Lockheed Martin confirms 2029 target date for US Navy’s Aegis/PAC-3 MSE integration
Enabling Aegis-equipped vessels to launch PAC-3 MSE interceptors will give the USN more options to engage highly manoeuvrable hypersonic missiles – including the ones China has been developing.
