Geoje, Oct 22 (NationPress) South Korea has officially launched its inaugural 3,600-ton-class naval submarine on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing its underwater deterrence against North Korean threats.

The first of three Changbogo-III Batch-II class submarines currently under construction was unveiled during a launch ceremony at Hanwha Ocean Co.'s dockyard in Geoje, situated approximately 330 kilometers southeast of Seoul, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

This submarine, named after the renowned Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) engineer Jang Yeong-sil, measures 89 meters in length and is part of the military's Changbogo-III or KSS-III program, which aims to procure advanced diesel-electric attack submarines.

According to the Navy and the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), "As the Navy's first 3,600-ton-class submarine, the ROKS Jang Yeong-sil represents a world-class diesel submarine and serves as a core strategic asset with enhanced capabilities to address various maritime threats."

In comparison to the 3,000-ton Batch-I class submarines currently in active service, officials noted that the new submarine not only offers increased size but also comes with upgraded detection and strike capabilities, allowing it to remain stealthy for extended periods.

The submarine's combat system, which acts as its brain, and the sonar system, which serves as its eyes, have both been enhanced for improved information processing and target detection. Additionally, its lithium-ion batteries facilitate longer underwater endurance and greater speed.

A variety of sound absorption technologies have been incorporated to enhance the submarine's stealth, while more domestically produced equipment has been utilized to ensure operational stability, according to officials.

The new submarine is expected to feature a greater number of vertical launch tubes for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, increasing from six in the currently commissioned 3,000-ton Batch-I submarines.

With these upgraded features, the 3,600-ton submarine is anticipated to play a vital role in the military's maritime three-axis deterrence system, particularly the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform aimed at neutralizing key North Korean nuclear and missile targets upon clear indications of aggression.

The submarine is scheduled for delivery to the Navy by the end of 2027, with two additional 3,600-ton-class submarines also under construction.

This launch ceremony coincides with South Korea's ambition to become the world's fourth-largest defense exporter, capitalizing on the increasing demand for its indigenous weapons systems, including self-propelled howitzers, tanks, and fighter jets.

Lee Sang-woo, director-general of DAPA's KSS program group, remarked, "The ROKS Jang Yeong-sil is expected to significantly enhance the role of South Korean submarines as strategic assets for global security and peace, while also boosting defense exports."

In a significant development for this initiative, Hanwha Ocean has recently been designated as one of the two "qualified suppliers," along with Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, for a major Canadian submarine contract.

Through the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, Canada intends to acquire up to 12 submarines for the Royal Canadian Navy to modernize its submarine fleet, aiming to receive the first new vessel by no later than 2035.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who is scheduled to attend the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in the southeastern city of Gyeongju next week, has expressed intentions to visit Hanwha Ocean facilities during his trip to South Korea.