Hanwha Ocean has begun construction on the third and final submarine in the KSS-III Batch-II series for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). This submarine was introduced at a steel-cutting ceremony held at the company’s Geoje shipyard.
The latest KSS-III Batch-II ballistic missile submarine has been designed and constructed using domestic technology, making it the most advanced diesel model for the South Korean Navy. Its completion is expected by 2029, with delivery slated for 2031.
As for the previous units, the keel for the first was laid in March 2023, while the keel for the second was laid in mid-July. The first is scheduled for launch in 2025, and the second is expected to be delivered by 2026, with hopes that it will enter service by 2028.
South Korean Navy KSS-III Batch-II Submarines
The KSS-III Batch-I and Batch-II submarines represent the culmination of a three-decade South Korean naval construction program, executed in three major phases: KSS-I with the purchase and construction of Type 209 class submarines; KSS-II with units based on the Type 214; and KSS-III, featuring the local design and construction of a new class of ballistic missile-equipped attack submarines, named the Dosan Ahn Changho class.
In terms of characteristics, the KSS-III Batch-II submarines have an increased displacement of 3,600 tons and a length of 89 meters, allowing additional vertical launch systems (VLS) for missiles. For comparison, Batch-I submarines are equipped with six VLS, while Batch-II has ten. The propulsion system is equipped with an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system powered by lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, it incorporates a high degree of process automation, allowing it to be operated by a crew of 33, which can be expanded to 55 if necessary.
Batch-II will include 12 additional domestically produced systems, including a lithium battery system, bringing the total number of localized systems to 70. This increased localization of components is expected to grant the KSS-III greater freedom from export controls and intellectual property disputes in future submarine exports, thereby improving the competitiveness of South Korean submarines in the global market, as well as generating positive externalities in terms of skilled labor and industrial capacities associated with the program.
Images used for illustration purposes only.
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