Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Republic of Korea Navy redeploys Chang Bogo - I class submarine 

Defense Acquisition Program Administration delivers the Lee Eokgi to the Navy – enhancements made in simultaneous analysis and tracking of targets

Following significant enhancements to their performance, Chang Bogo-Ⅰ-class submarines of Republic of Korea will be redeployed to marine protection duties. On October 31, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that the upgraded 1200-ton Chang Bogo-I-class submarine Lee Eokgi has been delivered to the Navy at Daewoo Shipbuilding and Offshore in Geoje City, South Gyeongsang Province. 

The last Chang Bogo-Ⅰ class submarine Lee Eokgi performed its duties since it was commissioned in December 2001. The submarine successfully completed a recent trial evaluation, showing progress in an integrated combat system and enhanced performance of its attack periscope, as well as the addition of an array sensor to a tug-boat since July 2018.

The Chang Bogo-I-class submarine has some significantly enhanced essential functions to carry out operations, such as simultaneous analysis and tracking of targets, underwater acoustic detection, and surface target detection, compared to Navy submarines at the same level that are currently in operation.

Significantly, the successful localization of an integrated combat system, which serves as the kernel of the performance of operations, will boost domestic defense industry technology capabilities and greatly contribute to the maintenance of the military’s capability to carry out operations in case of emergency, a spokesperson for DAPA said.

“We are pleased to have successfully delivered the upgraded submarine Lee Eokgi to the Navy without any delay. We will continue to contribute to strengthening national defense capabilities by working to upgrade the performance of a follow-up submarine, without delay,” said Choi Hoe-kyung, chief of DAPA’s Submarine Program Group. 

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >

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