Overview
- ROK Navy and DAPA unveiled the 89-meter ROKS Jang Yeong-sil on Oct. 22 at Hanwha Ocean’s Geoje shipyard.
- The diesel-electric submarine pairs lithium-ion batteries with air-independent propulsion to extend underwater endurance and cut exposure risk.
- Upgraded combat and sonar systems and new noise-reduction technologies improve target detection, survivability and land-attack capability.
- The Batch-II design adds 10 vertical-launch cells for Hyunmoo-IV-4 ballistic missiles, an increase from six on Batch-I boats.
- Two sister submarines are under construction, and officials highlight the largely indigenous build for deterrence and export prospects, with Hanwha Ocean qualified for Canada’s submarine program.