KSS-III submarine

The design of the KSS-III was jointly designed by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (now Hanwha Ocean) and Hyundai Heavy Industries (now HD Hyundai Heavy Industries) - two of South Korea's largest shipbuilding enterprises; preparations for the design began in 2007.{{Cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/kss-3.htm|title = KSS-III Class}}{{cite web |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/294539547 |title=Team prepares for 2007 start on KSS-III design |date=December 2006 |first=R. |last=Karniol |via=ResearchGate}} The KSS-III is the largest submarine built in Korea and the first submarine designed with domestic technology, unlike the KSS-II submarine (Son Won-il-class submarine) previously produced in cooperation with Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW).

The Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class, the first 3,000-ton submarine designed through the KSS-III program, achieved a 76 percent localization rate, twice as high as the previously license-built KSS-II submarine. The development process adopted a design process using digital mock-up simulation for the first time in Korea, and the hull was made of HY-100 alloy steel to withstand high pressure of deep water. Although the size of the submarine is larger than that of the existing KSS-II submarine, the noise is minimized by applying non-acoustic stealth technologies such as acoustic anechoic coating and elastic mounts. The submarine's interior is made up of large and small pipes measuring 85 km in total length and has 127 types of acoustic and electronic equipment embedded in.{{cite web|url=https://www.dapa.go.kr/dapa/na/ntt/selectNttInfo.do?bbsId=326&nttSn=38931&menuId=678|title=국내 독자 설계ㆍ건조한 3,000톤급 도산안창호함 취역|publisher=Defense Acquisition Program Administration|date=16 August 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612095201/https://www.dapa.go.kr/dapa/na/ntt/selectNttInfo.do?bbsId=326&nttSn=38931&menuId=678|archivedate=12 June 2023|accessdate=12 June 2023|author=}}{{cite web|url=https://dapa-magazine.kr/page/vol112/view.php?volNum=vol112&seq=2|title=국내 기술로 만든 첫 번째 중형잠수함 도산안창호함|publisher=Defense Acquisition Program Administration|date=September 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230612085303/https://dapa-magazine.kr/page/vol112/view.php?volNum=vol112&seq=2|archivedate=12 June 2023|accessdate=12 June 2023|author=}}

The first vessel, {{ROKS|Dosan Ahn Changho|SS-083|6}}, of the KSS-III program was designed as a system development process using experimental technologies to demonstrate South Korea's independent submarine building capabilities, but the second, {{ROKS|Ahn Mu|SS-085|6}}, is the first submarine to be built and commissioned through an official mass production process. Ahn Mu successfully passed 125 items of builder test, 208 items of harbor acceptance test, and 90 items of sea acceptance test during the trial run process from January 2020 to April 2023. It also includes key features such as VHF marine communication system, passive linear array sonar, torpedo acoustic counter measure, underwater radiated noise level, electric propulsion motor, which are improved from the previous Dosan Ahn Changho.{{cite web|url=https://www.dtaq-media.kr/content/%EA%B8%B0%EC%88%A0%EB%A1%9C-%ED%92%88%EC%A7%88%EB%A1%9C?id=163|title=장보고-III Batch-I 최초양산 안무함, 출동 준비 끝!|publisher=Defense Agency for Technology and Quality|date=22 August 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230908180632/https://www.dtaq-media.kr/content/%EA%B8%B0%EC%88%A0%EB%A1%9C-%ED%92%88%EC%A7%88%EB%A1%9C?id=163|archivedate=8 September 2023|accessdate=8 September 2023|author=}}

The Batch-I series is the first phase of the KSS-III program - consisting of the construction of three attack submarines - with the first two to be built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and the third one to be built by HHI.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/11/south-koreas-dsme-launches-2nd-kss-iii-submarine-for-rok-navy/|title=South Korea's DSME Launches 2nd KSS III Submarine for ROK Navy|website=navalnews.com|date = 10 November 2020}}

The Batch-I design possesses a length of {{convert|83.5|m|ftin}}, with a breadth of {{cvt|9.6|m|ftin}} and a draught of {{cvt|7.62|m|ftin}} - with a displacement of {{convert|3,358|t|LT|lk=on}} while surfaced and {{convert|3,750|t|LT}} while submerged; they are the first submarines with a displacement of 3,000 tonnes to ever be built by South Korea.{{cite web|url=https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1114160.pdf|title=ROKN’S NUCLEAR-POWERED SUBMARINE ACQUISITION|publisher=Naval Postgraduate School|date=March 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416140236/https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/AD1114160.pdf|archivedate=16 April 2023|accessdate=16 April 2023|author1=Steven S. Choi}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/kss-iii-jangbogo-iii-class/|title=KSS-III (Jangbogo-III) Class Attack Submarines, South Korea}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?id=6491|title = DSME Launched ROK Navy's 1st 3000 tons KSS-III Submarine Dosan Ahn Chang-ho}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedefensepost.com/2021/08/16/south-korea-indigenous-submarine/|title=South Korea Navy Receives First Indigenous 3,000-Ton Submarine|date=16 August 2021}} According to DSME, over 76% of the submarine's components were procured from within South Korea.

The Batch-I design has an estimated speed of about {{convert|12|knot|lk=in}} while surfaced, and {{convert|20|knot}} while submerged - and possesses a cruising range of around {{convert|10,000|nmi|lk=in}}, at economic speed, along with a crew complement of 50.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/08/rok-navy-commissions-her-first-kss-iii-submarine/|title = ROK Navy Commissions Her First KSS III Submarine|date = 13 August 2021}} The design further incorporates an indigenously-designed fuel-cell powered air-independent propulsion (AIP) module - which enables the submarine to conduct long-distance underwater operations for up to 20 days.{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/south-korean-navy-commissions-first-kss-iii-class-slbm-capable-submarine|title=South Korean navy commissions first KSS-III-class, SLBM-capable submarine|publisher=Janes Information Services|date=13 August 2021|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230422063251/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/south-korean-navy-commissions-first-kss-iii-class-slbm-capable-submarine|archivedate=22 April 2023|accessdate=22 April 2023|author=Gabriel Dominguez, Dae Young Kim and Matteo Scarano}}{{cite web|url=https://imnews.imbc.com/replay/2022/nwdesk/article/6415634_35744.html|title=잠수함에 연료전지‥세계 최장 잠항 가능|publisher=Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation|date=10 October 2022|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231006173424/https://imnews.imbc.com/replay/2022/nwdesk/article/6415634_35744.html|archivedate=6 October 2023|accessdate=6 October 2023|author=Jung Young-min}} The PH1 cell module developed by Bumhan Industries is also the world's second hydrogen fuel cell used in submarines after Siemens' fuel cells.{{cite web|url=https://www.sisajournal.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=203975|title=독일 제치고 차기 잠수함에 국산 연료전지 탑재|publisher=Sisa Journal|date=23 August 2020|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230921011255/https://www.sisajournal.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=203975|archivedate=21 September 2023|accessdate=21 September 2023|author=Lee Sang-wook}}{{cite web|url=https://bumhan.com/en/who-we-are/|title=Who we are?|publisher=Bumhan Industries|date=|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920184109/https://bumhan.com/en/who-we-are/|archivedate=20 September 2023|accessdate=20 September 2023|author=}}

The design accommodates six Korean vertical launching system (K-VLS) cells, located behind the submarine's sail - for carrying six Hyunmoo 4-4 submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM), along with six {{convert|533|mm|in|0|adj=on}} forward-firing torpedo tubes, located at the bow.{{Cite web|url=https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2021/08/south-korea-commissions-first-slbm-capable-kss-iii-class-submarine/|title=South Korea commissions first SLBM-capable KSS-III-class submarine|date=19 August 2021}} The KSS-III is the first ever AIP-equipped attack-submarine capable of launching submarine-launched ballistic missiles.

The Batch-II series constitutes the second phase of the KSS-III program - and is noted to possess multiple improvements in terms of design, armament, and automation over the Batch-I series.{{Cite web|url=http://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=4025|title = South Korea's DAPA Selects DSME for KSS-III Batch II Heavy Submarine Design & Construction| date=25 May 2016 }}

The Batch-II design possesses a length of {{cvt|89.3|m}}, with a breadth of {{cvt|9.6|m}}, along with an estimated displacement of around {{cvt|3,600|t|LT}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/dsme-contracted-to-build-south-korean-navys-second-kss-iii-batch-ii-submarine|title = DSME contracted to build South Korean navy's second KSS-III 'Batch II' submarine}}{{Cite web|url=http://navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/september/10692-dmse-to-build-south-korea-kss-iii-batch-ii-class-submarine.html|title = DMSE to build South Korea KSS III Batch II class submarine| date=10 September 2021 }} According to DSME, the Batch-II series will be equipped with "a greater level of South Korean technology" - with over 80% of the submarine's parts to be domestically sourced.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/madex-2019/2019/10/madex-2019-dsme-on-track-with-kss-iii-batch-2-submarine-program-for-rok-navy/|title = MADEX 2019: DSME on Track with KSS III Batch 2 Submarine Program for ROK Navy|date = 23 October 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/01/south-korea-begins-construction-on-2nd-kss-iii-batch-ii-submarine/#:~:text=The%20Batch%2DII%20is%2089,%2C%20after%20Japan's%20Soryu%2Dclass.|title = South Korea Begins Construction on 2nd KSS-III Batch-II Submarine|date = 2 January 2022}}

Similar to the Batch-I, the Batch-II will also reportedly have a top speed of {{convert|20|knot}} and a crew complement of 50.

A notable feature of the Batch-II submarines is its lithium-ion battery technology (LiB); the Batch-II series will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries - developed by Samsung SDI (and supplied by Hanwha Defense), apart from the AIP system.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/madex-2021/2021/06/south-koreas-kss-iii-batch-2-submarine-to-feature-both-aip-and-li-ion-batteries/|title = South Korea's KSS-III Batch 2 Submarine to Feature both AIP and Li-Ion Batteries|date = 18 June 2021}} Compared to previous lead-acid batteries which are generally used to power other conventionally-powered submarines, the new lithium-ion batteries will reportedly allow the KSS-III to cruise at greater speeds with a greater period of underwater endurance, life-expectancy and durability.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/june/10279-madex-2021-hanwha-defense-presents-its-new-technology-of-lithium-ion-battery-for-submarines.html|title = MADEX 2021: Hanwha Defense presents its new technology of lithium-ion battery for submarines| date=9 June 2021 }} Korea is only the second country in the world to field submarines equipped with lithium-ion batteries; the first is Japan - which utilizes lithium-ion battery technology aboard its {{sclass|Sōryū|submarine|1}}s.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2018/11/16/new-battery-can-double-the-operational-time-of-submarines-says-south-korea/|title = New battery can double the operational time of submarines, says South Korea|date = 16 November 2018}}

The design also incorporates ten K-VLS cells (compared to six on the Batch-I) - which are presumably to carry the Hyunmoo 4-4 ballistic missiles and the future Chonryong land-attack cruise missile.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/december/11186-south-korea-starts-construction-of-kss-iii-batch-ii-class-submarine.html|title = South Korea starts construction of KSS III Batch II class submarine| date=30 December 2021 }}

File:The first test launch of the Hyunmoo 4-4 SLBM of the Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarine in September 2021.webm

• Torpedoes – The KSS-III is equipped with six {{cvt|533|mm|in|0}} forward-firing torpedo tubes, for firing the "Tiger Shark" heavyweight torpedoes, developed by LIG Nex1.{{Cite web|url= https://militaryleak.com/2018/11/19/lig-nex1-tiger-shark-heavy-weight-torpedo/|title=LIG Nex1 Tiger Shark Heavy Weight Torpedo|website=militaryleak.com|date=19 November 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/madex-2019-south-korea-aims-to-deploy-tiger-shark-torpedo-by-2020|title = MADEX 2019: South Korea aims to deploy Tiger Shark torpedo by 2020|website=Jane's |date=24 October 2019}}
• Missiles – The Batch-I submarines are equipped with six K-VLS cells, capable of launching the Hyunmoo 4-4 ballistic missiles which is estimated to possess a range of around {{cvt|500|km|mi}}.{{Cite web|url= https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/09/south-korea-successfully-completed-k-slbm-test-launch-from-kss-iii-submarine/ |title=South Korea Successfully Completed K-SLBM Test Launch from KSS III Submarine|website= Naval news |date = 21 September 2021}} In contrast, the Batch-II submarines will be equipped to ten K-VLS cell, presumably for carrying the Hyunmoo 4-4, as well as the future Chonryong land-attack cruise missile, currently in development.{{Cite web|url= https://adbr.com.au/south-korea-launches-second-new-sub/|title = South Korea launches second new sub|website=ADBR |date=11 November 2020}}
• Weapon Handling System – The Batch-I vessels are also equipped with a "Weapons Handling and Launch System" (WHLS) developed by UK-based naval conglomerate Babcock International.

The Batch-I series is currently equipped with an assortment of different sensors and equipment, including:

• Combat Management Suite – A "Naval Shield Integrated Combat Management System" (ICMS), developed by Hanhwa.{{Cite web |url= https://www.hanwhasystems.com/en/business/defense/naval/combat_index.do# |title= Naval Combat System |website=Hanwha Systems}}
• Sonar – A sonar suite, developed by LIG Nex1, comprising:{{Cite web|url= https://www.lignex1.com/web/eng/product/product.do?category=02&part=03&model=04#categoryMenu|title=LIG Nex1 - Products|website=lignex1.com}}
• Flank-array sonar (FAS)
• Towed-array sonar
• Intercept-passive sonar
• Continuous-active sonar (CAS)
• Mine-avoidance sonar, developed by Thales
• Electronic warfare – "Pegaso" radar electronic support-measures (RESM), developed by Indra.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indracompany.com/en/noticia/indra-set-equip-south-koreas-new-kss-iii-submarine-maximum-detection-intelligence|title=Indra, set to equip South Korea's new KSS III submarine with maximum detection and intelligence capabilities|website=indracompany.com|date=25 November 2021}}
• Other systems
• "Series 30 Attack and Search" optronic mast, developed by Safran.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/year-2014-news/october-2014-navy-naval-forces-maritime-industry-technology-security-global-news/2048-sagem-and-thales-to-provide-optronic-and-sonar-systems-for-future-rok-navy-kss-iii-submarine.html|title=Sagem and Thales to provide Optronic and Sonar Systems for future ROK Navy KSS-III Submarine|website=navyrecognition.com|date=9 October 2014}}
• Noise-analysis/noise-reduction technology, developed by LIG Nex1.
• Steering-consoles, developed by ECA Group.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ecagroup.com/en/business/naval-today-eca-group-deliver-steering-console-third-south-korean-kss-iii-submarine|title=Naval Today: ECA Group to deliver steering console for third South Korean KSS-III submarine|website=ecagroup.com|date=11 December 2017}}

On 26 December 2012 - South Korea's Ministry of National Defense (MND) contracted DSME to build the first two Batch-I submarines - at an estimated cost of USD $1.56 billion. On 30 November 2016 - the MND contracted HHI to build the third submarine of the series.

The construction of the first submarine began in November 2014, with a "steel-cutting" ceremony at DSME's shipyard in Okpo, South Korea{{Cite web|url=https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2018/september-2018-navy-naval-defense-news/6491-dsme-launched-rok-navy-s-1st-3000-tons-kss-iii-submarine-dosan-ahn-chang-ho.html|title=DSME Launched ROK Navy's 1st 3000 tons KSS-III Submarine Dosan Ahn Chang-ho|website=navyrecognition.com|date=17 September 2018}} The submarine, christened as the Dosan Ahn Changho, was launched in an elaborate ceremony on 14 September 2018 - an event that was attended by senior representatives from South Korea's government and military, including South Korean president Moon Jae-in. Dosan Ahn Changho began its sea trials in June 2019 and was commissioned into the ROKN on 13 August 2021.

Work on the second submarine began - with the laying of its keel in July 2016. Christened as the Ahn Mu, the submarine was launched on 10 November 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/28285/South_Korea_Launches_Navy___s_2nd_KSS_III_Submarine#.YeOq0_5BzIU|title=South Korea Launches Navy's 2nd KSS III Submarine|website=defenseworld.net|date=10 November 2020}} It is scheduled to be delivered by 2022.

The construction of the third and final submarine began in June 2017, at HHI's shipbuilding facility in Ulsan, South Korea. Christened as the Shin Chae-ho, the submarine was launched on 28 September 2021.{{Cite web|url=https://nationalinterest.org/blog/korea-watch/south-korean-navy-launches-shin-chae-ho-its-third-changbogo-iii-submarine-194827|title=South Korean Navy Launches Shin Chae-ho, its Third Changbogo-III Submarine|website=nationalinterest.org|date=2 October 2021}} It is scheduled to be delivered by 2024.

On 11 October 2019, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) contracted DSME to design and build the first Batch-II submarine - at an estimated cost KRW ₩1.11 trillion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/dsme-awarded-contract-to-design-build-upgraded-kss-iii-class-submarine|title=DSME awarded contract to design, build upgraded KSS-III-class submarine|website=janes.com|date=11 October 2019}} On 10 September 2019, DSME was again contracted to build the second Batch-II submarine - at an estimated cost of ₩985.7 billion.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/09/south-koreas-dsme-wins-contract-for-2nd-kss-iii-batch-ii-submarine/|title = South Korea's DSME Wins Contract for 2nd KSS-III Batch-II Submarine|website=navalnews.com|date = 10 September 2021}}

The construction of the first submarine - the Lee Bong-chang, began in August 2021 and is scheduled to be delivered to the ROKN in 2026.{{Cite web|url=https://continental-defence.com/south-korea-begins-construction-of-second-kss-iii-batch-ii-submarine|title = South Korea begins construction of second KSS-III Batch-II submarine|website=continental-defence.com|date = 3 January 2022}} The construction of the second submarine began in December 2021 and is scheduled to be delivered to the ROKN by 2028.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/01/south-korea-begins-construction-on-2nd-kss-iii-batch-ii-submarine/|title=South Korea Begins Construction on 2nd KSS-III Batch-II Submarine|website=navalnews.com|date=2 January 2022}}

At the 2019 convention of the "International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition" (MADEX), held at Busan, South Korea, DSME unveiled the DSME-2000 - a {{cvt|2,000|t|LT}}, diesel-electric variant of the KSS-III, as an export-oriented design for foreign navies.{{Cite web|url=https://www.asiapacificdefensejournal.com/2019/10/south-korea-unveils-new-diesel-electric.html|title=South Korea unveils new diesel-electric submarine design for export market|website=asiapacificdefensejournal.com|date=28 October 2019}}

The DSME-2000 possesses a length of {{cvt|70.3|m|ftin}} and a diameter of {{cvt|6.3|m|ftin}}, with a crew complement of 40, with additional space for about 10 special forces commandos.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/madex-2019/2019/10/madex-2019-new-2000-tons-attack-submarine-joins-dsme-portfolio/|title=MADEX 2019: New 2,000 Tons Attack Submarine Joins DSME Portfolio|website=navalnews.com|date=23 October 2019}} The design has an estimated speed of {{convert|10|knot}} while surfaced, and {{convert|20|knot}} while submerged and possesses a cruising range of around {{cvt|10,000|nmi}}, at cruising speed.

The DSME-2000 displaces at 2,000 tonnes and is larger than South Korea's {{sclass|Jang Bogo|submarine|1}} (based on the Type 209/1400 design) and the Son Won-il class (based on the Type 214 design), but is smaller than the Dosan Ahn Changho class.

The design incorporates an arrangement of eight {{cvt|533|mm|in}} forward-firing torpedo tubes, with a pack of 16 torpedoes - although this can be combined with an assortment of naval mines and anti-ship missiles. The submarine's design also features a flexible weapon launching system - which can be tailored according to the customer's requirements.

Similar to the KSS-III, the DSME-2000 will also be equipped with an AIP module and lithium-ion batteries. The design also includes an assortment of equipment, including -

• A sonar suite, equipped with :-
• Cylindrical Hydrophone Array
• Intercept Detection and Ranging Sonar
• Flank Array Sonar
• Passive Ranging Sonar
• Active Operation Sonar
• Towed Array Sonar
• A mast-sensor suite, equipped with :-
• Electronic support measures (ESM)
• Satellite communication (SATCOM)
• Radar
• Up to two communication retractable masts
• Optronics

DSME has offered a 3,000-tonne variant of the KSS-III, known as the DSME-3000 to the Indian Navy, under the latter's Project-75 (India) (P-75I) submarine procurement initiative.{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/madex-2021/2021/06/madex-2021-dsme-sheds-light-on-submarine-offer-to-india-for-p-75i/|title=MADEX 2021: DSME Sheds Light on Submarine Offer to India for P-75I|website=navalnews.com|date=16 June 2021}} The DSME-3000 is noted to be quite similar to the KSS-III, featuring a displacement of about 3,300 t, with a length measuring {{cvt|83.5|m|ftin}} and a beam measuring {{cvt|9.7|m|ftin}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/news/sci-tech/2021/06/16/korean-shipbuilder-touts-advanced-batteries-for-submarines-on-offer-to-india.html|title=Korean shipbuilder touts advanced batteries for submarines on offer to India|website=theweek.in|date=16 June 2021}} The DSME-3000 was first displayed to the public at the 2021 convention of the "International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition" (MADEX), held at Busan, South Korea.

The DSME-3000 will be equipped with lithium-ion batteries and a fuel-cell powered AIP system, as on the KSS-III; however, the variant being offered to India lacks the K-VLS cells, which are standard on both Batch-I and Batch-II submarines being built for the Republic of Korea Navy.

DSME entered the competition in April 2019 and was later shortlisted as a finalist, along with four other international shipyards - ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Rubin Design Bureau, Navantia and Naval Group.{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/industry/2020/01/22/india-makes-initial-bid-selections-for-7-billion-submarine-project/|title=India makes initial bid selections for $7 billion submarine project|website=defensenews.com|date=22 January 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/saab-out-south-korean-company-in-for-the-conventional-submarines-for-the-indian-navy/1719545/|title=SAAB out, South Korean Company in for the conventional submarines for the Indian Navy|website=financialexpress.com|date=27 September 2019}} As of September 2021, the firm is reported to be the only remaining contender; the other four contenders either withdrew or were disqualified from the program, on account of varying reasons.{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/germany-may-not-bid-for-navys-p75i-submarine-project-leaves-south-korean-firm-as-only-vendor/articleshow/85447687.cms|title=Germany may not bid for Navy's P75I submarine project, leaves South Korean firm as only vendor|website=economictimes.indiatimes.com|date=20 August 2021}}

Republic of Korea Navy - Three in service, out of a total of nine planned

Royal Canadian Navy - Up to twelve conventionally-powered submarines are planned to replace the Victoria class submarines, with long-range patrols being a key factor. Hanwha has emerged as a frontrunner, formally responding to the request for information by its deadline of 18 November, 2024,{{Cite web |last=Arthur |first=Gordon |date=2025-05-31 |title=MADEX 2025: Hanwha Ocean eyes Canada’s submarine requirement |url=https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/madex-2025/2025/05/madex-2025-hanwha-ocean-eyes-canadas-submarine-requirement/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}} offering {{Cite web |last=jim |title=Hanwha KSS-III |url=https://kss-iii.ca/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=Hanwha KSS-III |language=en-US}} to have the first in class launched by 2030 and the first four by 2035. Hyundai Heavy Industries made a partner offer to supply artillery, likely the K9 Thunder.{{Cite web |last=Freebairn |first=Tom |date=2025-05-21 |title=South Korea Pitches $18 Billion Submarine & Arms Deal to Canada Amid US Tensions |url=https://dsm.forecastinternational.com/2025/05/21/south-korea-pitches-18-billion-submarine-arms-deal-to-canada-amid-us-tensions/ |access-date=2025-05-31 |website=Defense Security Monitor |language=en-US}}

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File:The voyage of ROKS Shin Chae-ho submarine - 1.jpg

File:The voyage of ROKS Shin Chae-ho submarine - 2.jpg

File:The voyage of ROKS Shin Chae-ho submarine - 3.jpg

File:The voyage of ROKS Shin Chae-ho submarine - 4.jpg

• {{sclass|Blekinge|submarine|1}} - A class of next-generation attack submarines developed by Kockums for the Swedish Navy.
• {{sclass|Dakar|submarine|1}} - A unique class of diesel-electric attack-submarines developed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and currently being built for Israel.
• {{sclass|Hai Kun|submarine|1}} - A class of diesel-electric attack-submarines currently being built by CSBC for Taiwan.
• {{sclass|Lada|submarine|1}} - A class of diesel-electric attack-submarines developed by Rubin Design Bureau for Russia.
• {{sclass2|Scorpène|submarine|1}} - A class of export-oriented diesel-electric attack-submarines, jointly developed in France by Naval Group and Navantia and currently operated by the Chilean Navy, the Royal Malaysian Navy, the Indian Navy and the Brazilian Navy.
• {{sclass|Sōryū|submarine|1}} - A class of diesel-electric attack-submarines developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Shipbuilding Corporation for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
• S-80 Plus submarine - A class of conventionally-powered attack-submarines developed by Navantia for the Spanish Navy.
• {{sclass|Taigei|submarine|1}} - A class of diesel-electric attack submarines currently being built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Kawasaki Heavy Industries for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
• Type 212CD submarine - An exclusive class of attack submarines developed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the German Navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy.
• Type 218SG submarine - An exclusive class of attack submarines developed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems for the Republic of Singapore Navy.
• Orka-class submarine - A class of diesel-electric attack-submarines based on the Shortfin Barracuda (submarine) developed by Naval Group for the Royal Netherlands Navy to replace the aging Walrus-class submarine.

• List of active Republic of Korea Navy ships

{{Reflist}}

• {{Commons category-inline|Dosan Ahn Changho class submarines}}

{{Dosan Ahn Changho class submarine}}

{{Republic of Korea Navy ships}}

Dosan Ahn Changho

Category:Attack submarines

Category:Submarine classes

Category:Ballistic missile submarines

Category:Cruise missile submarines

Category:Submarines of the Republic of Korea Navy

Category:Proposed ships