South Korean shipbuilding heavyweight HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has completed the overhaul of the ROK Navy’s 214-class diesel-electric submarine Yun Bong-Gil.
As disclosed, the overhaul was finalized ahead of schedule by 35 days.
Originally delivered in 2016, Yun Bong-Gil has participated in strategic operations, including joint exercises with the U.S. Navy.
During this maintenance project, HD HHI reportedly completed over 1,620 maintenance tasks (1,260 planned + 360 emergent) and the “largest-scale” refit among domestic submarine MRO programs.
Looking ahead, the company aims to expand into the global submarine market with new export models, including a 1,500-ton submarine for Perupe and a 2,300-ton and 800-ton platforms under development.
Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Naval & Special Ship Business Unit, stated: “We remain committed to defending our seas and strengthening national security.”
In other news, it is worth noting that HD HHI and the ROK Navy joined forces to embark on the full-scale development of a next-generation combat unmanned surface vehicle (USV).
As informed, combat USVs are designed to autonomously execute reconnaissance and close-quarters combat missions in forward operating areas, augmenting or replacing manned vessels. They are said to form the linchpin of the emerging manned-unmanned integrated maritime defense framework.