[Asia Economy, Military Correspondent Yang Nakgyu] The next-generation heavyweight torpedo for submarines, developed by the domestic defense company LIG Nex1, has successfully completed an underwater test launch. The Baemsangeo torpedo began its exploratory development in 2009 under the name "Heavyweight Torpedo-II" and achieved combat suitability certification in November 2018, marking the successful completion of its development. LIG Nex1 is now set to begin full-scale mass production.
On May 17, the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ) announced that, following the successful completion of the quality certification firing test for the Heavyweight Torpedo-II "Baemsangeo," the weapon system will now enter full-scale deployment.
The quality certification firing test is a procedure to verify that the performance achieved during the research and development phase of domestically developed guided weapons is consistently realized in mass-produced products. This firing test was conducted twice each on the Jangbogo-II class (1,800-ton) submarine in March and the Jangbogo-III class (3,000-ton) submarine on May 9.
The "Baemsangeo," a weapon system designed to attack enemy surface ships and submarines, is the next-generation heavyweight torpedo developed after the domestically produced "Baeksangeo" torpedo. It achieved improved speed, detection capability, and range compared to its predecessor, and its domestic development was successfully completed in 2019.
As a wire-guided torpedo, it is connected to the submarine via a wire, allowing the operator to directly guide the torpedo's course, speed, and depth toward the intended target through the combat system. Furthermore, with a high localization rate of 99% achieved during development, it is also expected to contribute to defense exports.
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