K-EUM (Unmanned Submarine)

Overview

Korea's Extra-large Unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV) programme, developing an autonomous submarine platform for high-risk missions including mine warfare, intelligence gathering, anti-submarine warfare, and potentially offensive strike operations without risking human crew. Details remain classified, but the programme aims to develop a large autonomous underwater vehicle capable of extended independent operations in contested waters, with modular payload sections for mission-specific equipment. Expected to feature advanced AI for autonomous navigation and decision-making, multiple sensor arrays, and integration with the Korean Navy's network-centric warfare architecture. The programme reflects a broader global trend toward unmanned underwater combat vehicles, with South Korea aiming to be among the first nations to deploy operational extra-large UUVs.

Operators

• South Korea

Related sea Weapon Systems

• JL-3 SLBM - Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (China)
• IAI Gabriel V - missile (Israel)
• Type 071 Yuzhao - amphibious (China)
• Akya - Heavy Torpedo (Turkey)
• Type 075 LHD - amphibious (China)
• Type 076 LHA - amphibious (China)
• Orka Class Submarine - submarine (Netherlands)
• Type 054A - frigate (China)
• Type 056A Jiangdao - corvette (China)
• AN/SPY-1 - Naval Multi-Function Radar (United States)