Korea Overseas Information Service, The South Korean Navy on June 9 launched its first, 1,800-ton class, state-of-the-art submarine equipped with advanced missile systems, a Navy spokesman said.
Named after the country's first Chief of Naval Operations, the late Adm. Sohn Won-il, the 214-Type submarine will play a key role in securing sea lanes for transporting energy supplies and other goods, as well as extending the Navy's operation range, Commander Jung Sung-yup said.
“The launch of the 214-Type submarine will give our naval capability a great boost and help safeguard our maritime interests,” Jung said, adding the Sohn Won-il submarine's operation will have a combat radius reaching Guam.
Toward achieving a self-reliant defense posture, the Navy has sought a new “strategic mobile fleet,” comprising destroyers, submarines and anti-submarine aircraft, which can be rapidly deployed in a conflict situation.
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