South Korean submarines will receive a new vertical launch system to launch Hyunmoo ballistic missiles - the most advanced version has a range of up to 3,000 kilometres and speeds of up to 12,250 km/h

The Republic of Korea wants new vertical launch systems (VLS). They will probably be equipped with the KSS-III Batch-I and Batch-II diesel-electric submarines of the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho class.

Here's What We Know

The Republic of Korea authorities want a list of proposals from companies interested in developing a new vertical launch system. The development and deployment of the prototype should be completed by 2027.

The newest submarine KSS-III Batch-I is equipped with a six-cell VLS system for Hyunmoo IV ballistic missiles with a launch range of up to 800 kilometres. It has already completed two firing trials. The submarine will be upgradable once a new vertical launch system is developed. Meanwhile, the KSS-III Batch-II has a VLS with ten cells.

The characteristics of the prototype vertical launch system are not specified at this time. The weight of the missile is listed as "00,000 kg", meaning it will be a minimum of 10 tonnes. The Hyunmoo IV weighs only 5.4 tonnes including the 1,000kg warhead.

It is possible that a new VLS will be developed specifically for the Hyunmoo V. This ballistic missile has a mass of over 10 tonnes and the heaviest warhead (9 tonnes). It is expected to enter mass production in late 2023. Tests were completed several months ago. According to open sources, the Hyunmoo V can reach speeds of up to Mach 10 (12,250 km/h) and has a launch range of up to 3,000 kilometres.

The new vertical launch system may be able to launch from deep water. However, this requires sealing the missile. Ballistic missiles are normally launched at periscope depth, i.e. about 5-20 metres.

Source: Naval News