SEOUL, April 04 (AJU PRESS) - South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has delivered a new 3,000-ton class attack submarine to the country's Navy. Named after independence fighter Shin Chae-ho, who resisted Japanese rule during the 1910-45 colonial period, the submarine boasts advanced features.
HHI announced the handover on Thursday, highlighting the vessel's capabilities. The diesel-electric submarine incorporates air-independent propulsion technology, allowing for extended underwater missions of up to 20 days without surfacing. Following an eight-month training period, the Shin Chae-ho will be deployed for active duty.
This 83.5-meter-long (274-foot) submarine is equipped to launch submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) and is part of South Korea's Kill Chain program, designed for preemptive strikes against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.
The official handover ceremony took place in the southern port city of Ulsan. Representatives from South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) were joined by dignitaries from nine countries, including the United States, Canada, and Poland.
"The Shin Chae-ho represents a significant leap forward in national security," said Han Kyung-ho, head of DAPA's future power project division. "This delivery also positions HHI as a major player in the global defense export market."
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