S. Korea launches 1st 3,600-ton naval attack submarine

South Korea launched its first 3,600-ton-class naval submarine Wednesday, in a bid to bolster its underwater deterrence against North Korean threats. The first of the three Changbogo-III Batch-II class submarines under construction was unveiled in a launch ceremony at shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean's dockyard in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province, on Wednesday afternoon. Named after iconic Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) engineer Jang Yeong-sil, the 89-meter-long Batch-II submarine is part of the military's Changbogo-III or KSS-III program to acquire advanced diesel-electric attack submarines. "As the Navy's first 3,600-ton-class submarine, the ROKS Jang Yeong-sil is a world-class diesel submarine and a core strategic asset with enhanced capabilities to respond to various maritime threats," the Navy and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said. Compared with the 3,000-ton Batch-I class submarine that has been commissioned for active duty, officials said the new submarine is not only larger in size but is equipped with upgraded detection and strike capabilities that help the submarinWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times