This 3,600-ton new ship represents a major leap forward in South Korea’s submarine technology and strategic capabilities.
The Republic of Korea Navy conducted a military operation in Geoje on October 22.Hanwha OceanThe shipyard held a ceremony and officially launched the shipZhang Yingshi No. (SS-087)Submarine, this isChangbogo-III Batch-IIThe first ship of the class.
This new submarine, designed and built entirely with domestic technology, is expected to be delivered to the Navy before the end of 2027. The Jang Young Sil weighs 3,600 tons and is 89 meters long. It represents South Korea’s latest progress in its submarine modernization plan and aims to strengthen the country’s strategic deterrence capabilities.
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According to the South Korean Navy, this plan aims to build a core asset for South Korea’s maritime defense, capable of dealing with a variety of threats around the peninsula and even further afield. Ship name “Zhang Yingshi“Taken from the famous inventors and engineers during the Joseon Dynasty, it symbolizes the combination of scientific inheritance and technological innovation.
During the ceremony, Commander of Naval OperationsGeneral Kang Dong-gilEmphasizing the strategic significance of this launch:
“This launch is an important step towards a smarter and more elite navy. I firmly believe that the Jang Young-sil, built with domestic technology, will play a key role in protecting South Korea’s maritime sovereignty.”
Batch-IIA new generation of submarines was built in Changbao III (also known asKSS-III) project has been significantly upgraded based on the first phase, with more advanced sensors, longer endurance and better stealth performance. These characteristics enable the submarine to perform independent missions for long periods of time and have the ability to launch ground-attack cruise missiles.
After being launched, the ship will undergo a series of tests and evaluations and is expected to be officially put into service at the end of 2027.
Hanwha Marine(formerlyDaewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering – DSME) is the main builder of the KSS-III program and plays a key role in South Korea’s transformation from a submarine importer to a manufacturer and potential exporter.
In the statement, the Navy once again emphasized its commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology into the defense system:
“We will continue to strengthen our naval power based on advanced science and technology and firmly defend South Korea’s maritime sovereignty.”
Changbao III Batch IIThe development not only consolidates South Korea’s leadership in naval engineering and submarine defense, but also expands the potential for exporting naval vessels to countries interested in adopting South Korean technology.
Source & Photo: X @ROKNAVY_. This content is written with the help of artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editorial team.
