South Korea Launches Latest High-Tech 214-Class Submarines

South Korea on Wednesday launched the third and latest of its 214-class submarines to be commissioned by the end of next year, bringing the total number of submersibles in the country to 12, Yonhap news agency reported.

The latest submarine, named "Ahn Jung-geun" after the late independence fighter under Japan's colonial rule of Korea in the early 20th century, was officially launched in a ceremony at the dockyard of Hyundai Heavy Industries in the southeastern city of Ulsan.

The ceremony was attended by some 100 Hyundai and military officials, including Gen. Kim Tae-young, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Jung Ok-keun.

The 1,800-ton submarine will be commissioned and deployed late next year, along with two other 214-class submarines that were launched in 2006 and 2007, Navy officials said.

Seoul plans to build three more 214-class submarines in the next 10 years, according to Navy officials.

The new 214-class submarine is equipped with an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system that significantly adds to the ship's stealth capabilities, allowing it to strike enemy vessels or submarines without even being noticed, according to the officials.

South Korea launched its first Aegis destroyer, Sejong the Great, last year, becoming the fifth nation in the world to possess the high-tech naval ship.

The country is to build two more Aegis ships by 2012 under an existing project, and plans to build three more Aegis destroyers and three 3,000-ton submarines in the future, according to Navy officials.