KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho Class

KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho Class

Type: Submarine

Domain: sea

Country of Origin: South Korea

Manufacturer: Hyundai Rotem

Overview

South Korea's indigenous 3,700-tonne diesel-electric submarine — the largest conventionally powered submarine currently in production worldwide. The KSS-III is unique among conventional submarines in featuring 6x vertical launch system (VLS) cells capable of launching Hyunmoo-4-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), making South Korea only the seventh nation to possess an SLBM capability. Also armed with 8x 533mm torpedo tubes for heavyweight torpedoes and submarine-launched cruise missiles (Haeseong). Features lithium-ion batteries (Batch-II onwards) for extended submerged endurance, indigenous combat management system, flank array and towed array sonars, and advanced noise reduction measures. Batch-I boats feature AIP fuel cells. Three Batch-I and three Batch-II boats planned. Represents a critical element of South Korea's strategic deterrent against North Korea.

Technical Specifications

Crew50
TypeDiesel-Electric Attack Submarine with AIP
Depth>300 m
Speed20 knots (submerged)
Length83.5 m
ArmamentK731 heavy torpedo, Haeseong SSM, Hyunmoo-IIIb SLCM
VLS Cells6 (Hyunmoo-IIIb submarine-launched cruise missiles)
PropulsionDiesel-electric + PEMFC AIP + lithium battery
Displacement3,705 tonnes (submerged)
Torpedo Tubes6x 533mm (bow) + VLS

Operators

Related sea Weapon Systems