Hyundai Heavy Industries Launches Third Submarine Equipped with SLBM

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The third submarine capable of carrying submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM) will be launched.

On the 28th, the Navy announced that it will hold the launching ceremony for the 3,000-ton class submarine 'Shin Chae-ho'?the third vessel of the 'Jang Bogo-Ⅲ Batch-I' series?at Ulsan Hyundai Heavy Industries in the afternoon.

Named after independence activist Shin Chae-ho, this submarine is the third 3,000-ton class submarine independently designed and built domestically, following Dosan Ahn Chang-ho (1st vessel) and An Mu (2nd vessel). The construction contract was signed in 2016, with the groundbreaking ceremony held in 2017 and the keel laying ceremony in 2019.

The Jang Bogo-Ⅲ class Shin Chae-ho is about twice the tonnage of the Jang Bogo-Ⅱ class (1,800-ton class) submarines and is equipped with a high-performance fuel cell air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, extending its underwater endurance.

Notably, it also carries the SLBM that was successfully test-fired from a submarine on the 15th. It can carry and operate at least six SLBMs, enabling strategic strikes on critical land targets in emergencies. Mines and torpedoes are also equipped. Despite the larger hull size, the application of the latest noise reduction technologies such as anechoic coating and elastic mounts ensures acoustic stealth performance comparable to existing submarines.

The combat system, considered the brain of the submarine, and the sonar system, regarded as its sensory organs, were developed under the supervision of the Agency for Defense Development. The propulsion system, responsible for the submarine's maneuverability, incorporates domestically developed propulsion motors and charging generators for the first time.

The localization rate is 76%, more than double that of the existing Jang Bogo-class submarines (33.7%) and Son Won-il-class submarines (38.6%). Improved equipment localization reduces dependence on foreign defense technologies, significantly cutting construction costs. It is also expected to contribute to revitalizing the defense industry by enhancing the export competitiveness of domestic defense companies and creating jobs. The Shin Chae-ho is 83.5 meters long, 9.6 meters wide, has a maximum submerged speed of 20 knots (37 km/h), and accommodates about 50 crew members.

The Navy names 3,000-ton class submarines after figures who contributed to the independence movement or national development after liberation. Following a naming committee, the third vessel was named Shin Chae-ho.

Shin Chae-ho, a journalist and nationalist historian, served as editor-in-chief of Hwangseong Newspaper, Daehan Maeil Sinbo, and Gwuneop Newspaper, leading a national awakening movement through the press by strongly condemning the illegality of Japanese invasion and the pro-Japanese collaborators' treasonous acts. In recognition of his contributions, the government posthumously awarded him the Presidential Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1962.

The Shin Chae-ho will undergo sea trials and evaluations before being delivered to the Navy in 2024, after which it will be commissioned and deployed for active service.