The submarine, ROKS Jung Woon, is the sixth Jang Bogo I-class submarine, commissioned in August 1997.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said the submarine was handed over to the Navy in a ceremony at Hanwha Ocean's headquarters on the southern island of Geoje after a performance upgrade conducted by the company since March 2023.
Its operational capabilities, including detection, identification and attack, have been significantly enhanced with a new combat system, an upgraded attack periscope, and a newly installed towed array sonar system that allows it to detect enemy submarines from longer distances, DAPA said.
The submarine had conducted patrol missions in Korean waters and participated in various large-scale exercises, including the Rim of the Pacific Exercise.
The upgraded Jung Woon will continue to perform crucial naval missions alongside four other refurbished Jang Bogo I-class submarines, the agency said.
Jung Woon's combat system was developed entirely with domestic technology, DAPA said, adding that this development enables optimal combat command capabilities and stable follow-up logistics support, which will greatly contribute to the military’s smooth operations.
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