KSS-III Dosan Ahn Changho Class

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.

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)