This 3,000-ton class submarine, christened in honor of the revered Korean independence activist Shin Chae-ho (1880-1936), symbolize the culmination of South Korea’s advanced naval shipbuilding prowess. Furthermore, the successful completion of the KSS-III Batch-I program symbolizes Republic of Korea’s significant leap toward becoming a nation capable of constructing its indigenous submarines, showcasing an extraordinary achievement in the development of domestic technology and equipment for advanced underwater vessels.
On-time submarine delivery
During the delivery signing ceremony, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries highlighted the significance of the punctual delivery of the SS-086 Shin Chae-ho, marking it as the first among the KSS-III Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class submarines to be delivered on schedule. This milestone was underscored by a speech referencing a remark from the Republic of Korea’s President, Yoon Seok-yeol: “Security is about speed; deploying outdated weapons signifies a failure in national security.” This statement reinforced the importance of the timely acquisition of naval assets to safeguard a sovereign nation’s territorial waters and underlined HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ capability as a maritime solution provider.
Officials from the delegations of nine countries attended the delivery ceremony, including representatives from Canada, Poland, Australia, the Philippines, Peru, the United States, the United Kingdom, Ecuador, and Colombia.
Among the distinguished guests was Canadian Senator Michael MacDonald, who expressed his interest in Korea’s KSS-III submarines. Canada is currently planning to place an order for twelve 3,000-ton class submarines around 2026, with the Korean KSS-III submarine being a potential candidate for its program.
Paul Duclos, the Peruvian Ambassador to Korea, congratulated HD HHI on its recent strategic partnership with Peru’s state-owned Servicios Industriales de la Marina (SIMA) and had the opportunity to witness firsthand the excellence of Korean warships.
Michael Jacobson CSM, Director General Submarines of the Royal Australian Navy, along with the Australian delegation, showed interest in the Korean submarine and the FFX Batch-III Chungnam class frigate. Australia is in the process of enhancing its fleet with a program to acquire eleven modern frigates to replace the Anzac class frigates, which were commissioned in the 1990s and early 2000s. Among the modern frigates being considered for this program is the FFX Batch-III Chungnam class frigate, planned to be delivered to the ROK Navy by the end of this year. After taking a boarding tour of the KSS-III Batch-I, the KDX-III Batch-II Jeongjo the Great, and the FFX Batch-III Chungnam class frigate, the delegation is scheduled to visit the Navy’s submarine operational units the following day. This visit will include a tour of the maintenance and training equipment, as well as the construction site of the KSS-III Batch-II submarines.
KSS-III Batch-I Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class Submarine
Displacement: 3,358t (surfaced), 3,705t (submerged)
Length: 83.5m
Beam: 9.6m
Draught: 7.6m
Weapons: 6 x 533mm ATP torpedo tubes Babcock International WHLS (K761 Tiger Shark, C-Star-III), Submarine Launched Mobile Mine (SLMM), 6 x VLS (Hyunmoo-IV-4)
Propulsion System: Diesel-Electric AIP, 3 x Rolls-Royce MTU 16V396 Diesel Engine, 4 x Bumhan PH1 Fuel Cell
Battery: lead–acid battery
Speed: 20 knots (submerged)
Range: 18,520km (surfaced)
The KSS-III Batch-I Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class submarine has achieved localization of its key components, including combat and sonar systems. It is distinguished by its enhanced capabilities for precise attacks on strategic targets and its ability to conduct operations stealthily, with increased survivability. The submarine is equipped with a vertical launching system capable of operating submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and incorporates the latest technologies, such as the Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and noise reduction technology. Unlike the conventional diesel-electric propulsion system, which requires air for charging batteries, the AIP system uses stored oxygen and fuel (fuel cells) to provide power for underwater battery charging and propulsion. This enables the submarine to operate underwater for extended periods without surfacing for air, significantly enhancing its stealth and operational capabilities.
ROKS Shin Chae-ho was launched in September 2021 and then underwent a series of test evaluations over 30 months. These assessments included its maximum operational depth, maximum speed, underwater radiated noise, and vertical launching systems. After delivery to the ROK Navy, it will undergo eight months of operationalization training to assess its mission capability before being deployed for operations by the end of this year.
Future of HD HHI’s submarine business
Naval News had the opportunity to conduct a brief interview with Dae-kyu Kim, senior sales manager at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries during our visit to the shipyards.
Naval News inquired about HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ (HD HHI) plans to preserve the knowledge and technology for developing new submarines following the successful delivery of the last KSS-III Batch-I submarine. The Senior Sales Manager emphasized that while the tonnage difference between Batch-I and Batch-II submarines is minimal, the key distinction lies in the incorporation of lithium-ion battery technology. HD HHI already boasts a successful prototype of a submersible vessel utilizing this advanced battery technology.
In a follow-up question, Naval News explored the specifics of the collaboration between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI), LIG Nex1, and Babcock on the development of an export submarine under 3,000 tons. We inquired about the potential for additional technological and system collaborations beyond the originally announced Combat Management System (CMS), Sonar, and Weapon Handling and Launch System (WHLS). The manager clarified that the submarine being developed is essentially a versatile platform designed to accommodate equipment tailored to the needs of the regional market or specific client requirements. He further explained that should there be a preference for a system from a particular company in the North American market, HD HHI is prepared to engage in strategic partnerships with that company’s regional subsidiary, ensuring the submarine’s design is customizable to meet the distinct demands and preferences of different clients.
Lastly, Naval News inquired about additional markets HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) is exploring beyond Canada, Poland, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines. The manager disclosed that numerous other nations have expressed interest in Korean submarines. While specific countries were not mentioned due to confidentiality reasons, the manager emphasized HD HHI’s reputation for early delivery of frigates to foreign clients and the on-time delivery of the KSS-III Batch-1 submarine. The company is confident in its ability to successfully deliver vessels, ensuring that maritime security plans and budgets of their clients are fully utilized without compromising capabilities.
