South Korea Launches Upgrade Program for Three KSS-II Batch I Submarines

South Korea has initiated an upgrade program for some Jangbogo-II class submarines, also known as Son Won-yil or KSS-II Batch I and II.

In particular, the three Jangbogo-II class submarines in service from 2007-2009, will undergo an upgrade that includes a combat system developed entirely with domestic technology, an anti-mine sonar, a side-scan sonar, and floating buoys/antennas.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is confident that this program will significantly boost the operational capabilities of the Jangbogo-II class submarines, which include detection, identification, and attack.

The DAPA will allocate about 468.9 billion won, equivalent to 280 million euros, for the program by 2033; with Hyundai Heavy Industries managing the execution phase.

The KSS-IIs are submarines built in South Korea based on the German Type 214 from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS); the Batch I submerge over 1,850 tons, are 65 meters long and have a diameter of 6.3 meters.

The propulsion of these vessels is diesel-electric, with fuel cells for an independent air system (AIP), and speeds of 12 knots on the surface and 20 knots under water.

The crew consists of 27 officers, NCOs, and enlisted personnel; the weapons system includes 8 533 mm torpedo launchers that can deploy up to 4 Sub Harpoon environment-changing missiles.

Source: Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)

Photo credit: Republic of Korea Navy