Jang Yeong-sil: Key step in KSS-III

On 22 October at Hanwha Ocean shipyard in Geoje, a ceremony was held to name the first vessel of type KSS-III Batch II, marked as Jang Yeong-sil (SS-087). This unit is another stage in the development of the South Korean conventional submarine construction program.

In the article

Background and role KSS-III Batch II

KSS-III programme (also known as Jangbogo-III) represents a milestone for the Navy of the Republic of Korea (ROKN) towards complete structural independence in the segment of large conventional submarines. The three Batch I series units were the first of these types designed and built independently by the South Korean ship industry. Their buoyancy reached more than 3000 tonnes at a length of 83 m and were equipped in an AIP and a vertical launcher for maneuvering and ballistic missiles.

The Batch II version brings a number of structural improvements – elongated hull (up to about 89 m), increased buoyancy (up to 3600 tons on the surface), a more modern lithium-ion battery drive and ten vertical launchers – in place of six used in the previous series.

Technical data and performance Jang Yeong-sil

KSS-III Batch II ships measure about 89 metres in length, with a width of 9.6–9.7 metres and a dip of 7.6 metres. The buoyancy of the unit is approximately 3600 tonnes in the water and nearly 4000 tonnes in the immersion. The drive is based on a diesel-electric system with an air-independent system (AIP), supported by lithium-ion batteries, which prolongs the operating time underwater and increases the energy efficiency of the ship. Estimated autonomy reaches up to 50 days. Maximum speed The submarine is about 20 knots. The introduction of ten vertical launchers in place of the six used in the first series significantly increased the unit's combat potential, allowing the transfer of both maneuvering and ballistic missiles with conventional battleheads.

Importance of exports in the shipbuilding industry

Celebration of rollout from the hall and naming the submarine Jang Yeong-sil is an important step in self-building South Korea potential in the field of modern submarines. From an export point of view, these units offer a high level of production location and advanced technical solutions, which can contribute to strengthening Korean position ship industry on the international market.

Ship Jang Yeong-sil, as a prototype Batch II series unit, sets a new stage in the development of the South Korean submarine construction program. This stage is characterized by a hull with a larger range of operation, a more modern drive and an extended export potential. The variant of this ship is offered to Poland within the framework of Orka program, which is intended to provide the Polish Navy with the acquisition of large conventional submarines, equipped with a vertical launcher and with significant impact potential.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz