Naval News contacted DAPA yesterday who confirmed the information which was initially issued in local media. Hanwha Ocean was selected over HD HHI. The move means Hanwha Ocean (formerly known as DSME) will build all 3 KSS-III Batch-II submarines. The shipbuilder previously built the first two vessels of the first batch with HD HHI building the final KSS-III Batch-I submarine.
After the objection application period, DAPA will consult with the selected company to finalize the contract which is anticipated to be at the end of December.
For Hanwha Ocean, this is the first submarine construction project they have won since joining the Hanwha Group in April of last year. Hanwha Ocean believes that winning all three contracts for the KSS-III Batch-II has reaffirmed its world-class capability in submarine construction and has bolstered its confidence in maintaining a competitive edge in the field. Hanwha Ocean plans to leverage its experience and capability in building advanced conventional submarines, as demonstrated by the KSS-III Batch-II, in its designs and bids for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP) and Poland’s Orka Project.
The lead vessel of the KSS-III Batch-II, which Hanwha Ocean secured in 2019, is currently under construction. It is scheduled to be launched in 2025, undergo testing and evaluation, and be delivered to the Navy in 2027.
KSS-III Batch-II
The KSS-III Batch-II is a follow-up to the 3,000 tons KSS-III Batch-I Dosan Ahn Changho-class and is the most advanced submarine for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy with an 80% localization rate.
The new submarine design features an increased surfaced displacement of 3,600 tons and significantly improved operational performance compared to Batch-I. The Batch-II combines an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system with lithium-ion batteries, delivering a longer underwater operation time that is triple that of Batch-I and features reduced propulsion noise.
For its combat and detection system, the Batch-II has replaced the Batch-I’s Cylindrical Array Sonar (CAS) with a horseshoe-shaped sonar array to enhance detection capabilities. Additionally, the KSS-III Batch-II features an increased number of Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells and plans to accommodate larger VLS cells currently under development.
Overall, the KSS-III Batch-II submarine is equipped to undertake a variety of missions, including support of special operation forces, surveillance and reconnaissance, offensive attacks, and port blockades using Submarine-Launched Mobile Mine (SLMM). This versatility is thanks to its enhanced armament, detection, and operational capabilities.
KSS-III Batch-II submarine specifications
Displacement: 3,600t (surfaced), 4,000t (submerged)
Length: 89.4m
Beam: 9.7m
Draught: 7.6m
Weapons: 6 x 533mm ATP torpedo tubes Babcock International WHLS (K761 Tiger Shark, C-Star-III), Submarine Launched Mobile Mine (SLMM), 10 x VLS (Hyunmoo-IV-4)
Propulsion System: Diesel-Electric AIP,3 x Rolls-Royce MTU 12V 4000 U83 Diesel Engine, 4 x Bumhan PH1 Fuel Cell
Battery: lithium-ion battery
Speed: 20 knots (submerged)
Range: 18,500km (surfaced)
