Detail

“The steadfast defense by a single individual can strike fear into a thousand.” This phrase, Ilbudanggyeong Jokgucheonbu (一夫當逕 足懼千夫), was spoken by Admiral Yi Sun-sin in 1597 as he rallied his troops before the Battle of Myeongnyang. From a modern perspective, 400 years later, this phrase best encapsulates the characteristics and strategic value of submarines. Throughout naval history, submarines have played a pivotal role as the vanguard of maritime warfare. Korean submarines (KSS*) first entered operational deployment in Korean waters in 1992 with the Jang Bogo class (KSS-I), developed in cooperation with Germany, laying the foundation for independent submarine construction. In the 2000s, South Korea demonstrated the capabilities of its submarines by participating in the multinational Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC). In 2011, South Korea became the world’s fifth submarine-exporting nation by delivering a domestically developed submarine to Indonesia. Progressing through the Son Won-il class (KSS-II), the nation steadily accumulated domestic development expertise, culminating in August 2021 with the deployment of the first Dosan Ahn Changho-class (KSS-Ⅲ) submarine, both designed and built entirely with indigenous technology. This achievement truly earned South Korea its place as a leading submarine power. Unlike the KSS-I and KSS-II, which were constructed using foreign technology, the Dosan Ahn Changho-class (KSS-Ⅲ) submarines are the first 3,000-ton mid-sized ships to be independently designed by South Korea. The class was designed through a collaborative effort involving the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the Republic of Korea Navy, the Agency for Defense Development, the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality, and various Korean industry partners. Moreover, by localizing core equipment, the country achieved a significant leap forward in submarine technology. Notably, the submarine is equipped with submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), making South Korea the world’s seventh nation to possess such capability. Currently, an upgraded model with enhanced performance is under construction. The stamp features the Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarines, a product of South Korea’s independent development efforts. The Korean submarines are not just a result of weapon system R&D; it is a key element in strengthening national maritime security and enhancing defense capabilities. The Korean submarine program, which began on barren ground nearly 50 years ago with no foundational technology, continues to advance through relentless research and development. It will serve as a crucial milestone in South Korea`s journey toward becoming a leading maritime and shipbuilding powerhouse in the future. * KSS is the English abbreviation for Korean Submarine.