South Korean Navy Changbogo Type 209 Submarine (한국해군 209급 잠수함 장보고함) Source: Wikipedia
As reported previously, South Korea has been shopping around its older Type 209 “Changbogo” Class Submarines (한국해군 209급 잠수함 장보고함) to countries in the Southeast Asia/South Pacific regions.
Indonesia has jumped at the chance and appears ready to both fuel South Korea’s ship building industry and double that nations arms exports (or ‘defense exports,’ depending on your POV) with their purchase of South Korean-made submarines:
SEOUL, South Korea – A South Korean shipbuilder said Dec. 21 it had signed the country’s largest-ever weapons export deal, worth $1.1 billion, to sell three submarines to Indonesia.
It also marked the first time that South Korea has grabbed a deal to sell submarines abroad, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering said in a press statement.
Under the contract, Daewoo will deliver the three submarines, each weighing 1,400 tons, to Jakarta by the first half of 2018.
Each of the submarines can carry 40 personnel and will be equipped with eight weapons tubes to fire torpedoes and guided missiles.
The deal brings the volume of South Korea’s defense exports this year to an all-time record $2.4 billion, more than double the amount from a year ago, the state-run Defense Acquisition Program Administration said.
It is the second major defense deal between the two countries. In May, the South’s state-run Korea Aerospace Industries agreed to export 16 supersonic T-50 Golden Eagle trainer jets worth $400 million to Jakarta. (Source: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE)
While the article fails to mention the class, and details vary slightly on size and crew capacity, it is likely that these Daewoo Shipbuilding and Engineering (대우조선해양)-constructed submarines will mirror the major specifications of the Type 209 Changbogo-class submarine, built from designs procured from German shipbuilding company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft and their 209 export class.
The 209 Changbogo class is rapidly becoming inferior in comparison to South Korea’s newer submarine purchases and designs, as well as other regional submarine threats. As such, the ROK has warmed to the idea of building or selling their technology to friendly nations in the region. Thailand has also shown recent interest in Korean-made 209s.
It shall be interesting to watch South Korea develop as an arms exporter in Asia, and worth keeping an eye on the nations they’re selling to. Strengthening ties with South East Asian/South Pacific nations is an interesting trend for the ROK in its quest to branch out from under the umbrella of the United States.
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Craig was born & raised in the United States, having recently returned there after over five years in Asia. He is currently pursuing further education in the realms of East Asian Studies and Politics. Craig is an avid fan of the political, economic, and military machinations occurring throughout the Asian continent and how those turning gears affect the rest of the world. He's currently covering both North and South Korea for Asia Security Watch, enjoying shedding light on to this far-too-often ignored slice of Asia.
Craig Scanlan has 82 post(s) on Asia Security Watch
8 comments
Robert says:
Dec 21, 2011
I wish Japan would wake up from their stupor and see that the old ways of doing things are rapidly becoming obselete.This type of deal will strengthen SoKor defense( and SoKor has no constitutional restrictions) and Japan continues to think that the status quo is good enough.Japan has got to start looking at doing these type of deals for long term survival.
Mark says:
Dec 21, 2011
That would be a political suicide for anyone if export ban is scrapped altogether.
Tri-ring says:
Dec 21, 2011
There is an thorny issue related and making this contract not go through.
U-Turn on U-Boats: Thyssen Plans Withdrawal from Submarine Joint Venture
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/cgi-bin/client/m…
I really do not know how this will effect the Korean/Indonesian sub contract but since the Koreans are utilizing the German design through a license it may become complicated.
As for Japan;
Gov't begins discussions on easing self-imposed arms export ban
http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/…
So thing are starting to move. I believe the first will be ShinMeiwa selling US2 flyingboats to India.
Robert says:
Dec 22, 2011
Not if Japan's leaders took a little initiative and talk to the public and keep it on their minds while also presenting it as a jobs program/jobs security/economic necessity. Inform the people regularly over this time period that for Japan to remain competitive (and not just defense but overall economically) then this is something that has to be done away with.Inform the people that it is also a strategic issue (as regards future potential adversaries).Inform the public that without it Japan will be at a disadvantage to most every else in the world.Tell them this often,and regularly and they will sooner understand I think. Japan needs to look to how the U.S. get's things done domestically and be a bit more aggresive in doing things like this.They seem to have little urgency(I will not go into why) but it is something that a determined,astute politician could get done. Will it get done,no (again won't go into why).
Indonezia a semnat cu Daewoo pentru trei submarine | Resboiu says:
Dec 22, 2011
[...] Sursa: Japan Security Watch [...]
Tri-ring says:
Dec 22, 2011
Looks as if the Japanese government is going to release a statement next Tuesday that they will partially lift the self-imposed embargo in exporting military equipments making it possible for joint development of various weapons with allies like Australia(Diesel subs), Missiles(Various European nations) and next generation fighter aircrafts(USA).
Robert says:
Dec 23, 2011
That would be absolutely outstanding!!
Bambang says:
Mar 15, 2012
Class 209 is the best SSK out there on the market. Cheap, extremely easy to upgrade due to strong hull and very easy to operate. Malaysian Scorpene: ($ 500 million each): Two months after arrival in Malaysia, the AC stopped working and sub can not dive (Media trying to interview Malay Navy but rejected. Australian Collins class: ($ 800 million each): very low level of readiness, out of 6 subs only 1 at the time,very noisy. Russia (Amur class): Cancelled, wrong design. Singapore Sjormen: Make Singapore pier looks more exotic, but the military value is questionable (Never heard they sail)
Class 209: 31 years serving Indonesia Navy with no glitches whatsoever. In financial language 209 class is "high IRR investment"