South Korea progresses on development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles

 

A submarine-launched ballistic missile, file.photo for reference only.


The South Korean government was reported to be progressing the development of conventional-warhead submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), with underwater tests expected to take place within the year. 

This is despite the South Korean Ministry of National Defense (MND) refusing to confirm the reports.

The SLBM is believed to be based on the country’s existing Hyeonmu-2B truck-launched ballistic missile, which has a maximum range of around 500 kilometers.

South Korean press reported that the SLBM development is undertaken by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), with ejection tests conducted on land and completed in 2020. This milestone allows developers to move to the next stages, which include underwater launch tests.

No confirmation has been made if the underwater tests would be conducted using an actual submarine or a submersible test barge.

The SLBMs are expected to deployed aboard the upcoming KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho-class diesel-electric submarines of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), which are in the 3,000-ton class and have  the capability to carry and launch a specified number of SLBMs using vertical launching systems (VLS).

The race for SLBM development has been ongoing between South Korea and is rival North Korea, with the North Koreans claiming success of their SLBM tests as early as 2016. The North Korean military has also displayed the said SLBM in a military parade held recently in Pyongyang.




[1]
Jane’s
[2] Korea Herald


South Korea progresses on development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles South Korea progresses on development of submarine-launched ballistic missiles Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on January 21, 2021 Rating: 5

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