Indigenous heavyweight torpedo developed for the Republic of Korea Navy's submarine fleet, providing a credible anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capability from the 533mm torpedo tubes of KSS-I, KSS-II, and KSS-III submarines. Features wire guidance with autonomous active/passive acoustic homing for terminal engagement, allowing the submarine crew to guide the torpedo toward the target area before the seeker acquires autonomously. Advanced digital signal processing provides resistance to acoustic countermeasures and decoys. The torpedo uses an Otto fuel II-powered engine for high speed (estimated 50+ knots) and extended range. Warhead designed for both anti-submarine and anti-surface engagements. Development by LIG Nex1 and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) was a priority to reduce dependence on German SUT torpedoes previously used by the ROK Navy submarine force.
![LIG Nex1 logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="18" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">LIG NEX1</text></svg>)
- 250kg warhead — heavy anti-ship lethality
- 50km range with wire guidance
- Wire guidance allows course corrections
- Korean indigenous heavyweight torpedo
- Compatible with KSS-III submarines
- Wire guidance limits maneuver of submarine after launch
- Complex maintenance
- Korea-only operator
- 50-knot speed matched by modern evasion tactics
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SIGN INAmmunition capacity versus protection trade-off here reflects deliberate doctrinal choices worth examining.
Combat management system interoperability with allied platforms is where this design pays dividends in coalition operations.