Preliminary design phase complete for future South Korean submarine

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has completed the preliminary design phase of a new indigenously designed and built submarine for the country’s navy.

The new class of submarine will have a displacement of approximately 3,000 tonnes and a lithium-ion battery system as well as improved sonar and combat systems compared to the nine-ship Dosan Ahn Changho-class that has yet to enter service.

Construction is expected to begin in the second half of 2019.