According to the Navy, the second vessel in the Jangbogo-III Batch-II series, named after Seo Hui, an eminent diplomat from the early years of the Goryeo Dynasty, is slated for launch in the second half of this year, ahead of its scheduled delivery in 2028.
The Navy said the name was chosen in recognition of Seo's diplomatic achievements and his spirit of overcoming national crises, shown through his famous diplomatic tactics and persuasion skills in repelling foreign threats without resorting to force, reflecting the submarine's role as a key asset for maritime defense.
South Korea has typically named its submarines after figures renowned for their contributions to military strength, maritime power, and science and technology.
The first Batch-II submarine was named after Joseon-era scientist Jang Yeong-sil.
The Batch-II submarines are 89 meters long, making them slightly larger and more capable than the 83-meter Batch-I Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class.
The Jangbogo-III Batch-II is also the model South Korea has proposed for Canada's Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), for which a preferred bidder is expected to be announced soon.
Separately, the Navy said it has named its fifth new 3,600-ton frigate the Pyeongtaek. The vessel is 129 meters long and 14.8 meters wide. The Navy has traditionally named its frigates after metropolitan and provincial cities.
The Navy said it chose the name because Pyeongtaek is home to the Navy's 2nd Fleet Command and serves as a key naval base for defending the West Sea. The Pyeongtaek is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy next year.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.
