South Korea commissions first KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho-class attack submarine

 

The ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho (SS-083). Photo c/o Navy Recognition.

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has commissioned its first Dosan Ahn Changho-class diesel-electric attack submarine.

The ship, named ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho (SS-083) and built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME), was commissioned during ceremonies held on 13 August 2021 at DSME's Okpo shipyard in Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province.

The submarine, which had its first steel cutting in 2014 and was launched in 2018, is expected to be deployed by the ROKN by August 2022, as it undergoes a year of evaluations.

The Dosan Ahn Changho-class is a new generation of diesel-electric attack submarines in the 3,000-ton class, and was the last phase of the KSS-III program which envisions the development and construction of submarines for the ROKN for 25 years from 1994 to 2029.

The development and construction of the Dosan Ahn Changho-class has propelled South Korea as the 8th country in the world that was able to produce a submarine with a 3,000-ton displacement.

The Dosan Ahn Changho is the lead ship of the KSS-III Batch 1 submarines, and was development jointly by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and DSME. Local companies including STX Engine, Hanwha Systems, and LIG Nex1, as well as international companies like BMT, Babcok, Indra, Safran and ECA Group are among those involved in development and supply of important subsystems.

The KSS Batch 1 submarines have a length of 83.5 meters, a width of 9.6 meters, a draft of 7.7 meters, and standard displacement of 3,360 tons. It will have a crew of 50 officers and sailors.

It has a maximum submerged speed of 20 knots, and a cruising range at economic speed of 10,000 nautical miles.

They are equipped with eight 533mm torpedo tubes and six Vertical Launching System (VLS) tubes, which can accommodate the Cheon Ryong submarine-launched cruising missile with a range of 1,500 kilometers.

Two more submarines are under construction, with the second vessel named Ahn Moo (SS-085) being constructed by DSME and launched on 10 November 2020, and the third vessel named Yi Dongnyeong (SS-086)  under construction by HHI, with the keel laying held on 30 June 2017.




[1] KBS World
[2] Naval News
[3] Navy Recognition