Seoul advances next-generation ship-launched missile, nuclear submarine programmes

South Korea is planning to develop a new ship-launched guided-missile that will feature enhanced capabilities over the the SSM-700K C-Star, seen here being launched from an unidentified vessel. (Republic of Korea Navy)

South Korea has approved a new ship-launched missile programme and established dedicated government organisations to accelerate the development of a nuclear-powered submarine capability.

According to separate announcements from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on 11 August, the programme for the new ship-launched missile was approved at the 177th defence programmes committee meeting that day.

The programme has been designated as the ship-launched guided-missile-II programme, the announcement reads.

It will see the development of a new anti-surface missile with enhanced range and improved target detection and tracking capabilities for long-range precision strikes against enemy surface targets, DAPA said.

The new missile is intended to provide greater strike performance than South Korea's existing Haeseong naval missile, said DAPA in reference to the family of weapons that is also known as the SSM-700K C-Star.

The new missile is also expected to be marketed as part of future export packages for Korean-built warships, the agency added.

DAPA stated that the project will be pursued through domestic research and development between 2028 and 2039 at an estimated cost of KRW1.63 trillion (USD1.2 billion).

Announcement of the missile programme came on the same day that the South Korean government approved organisational reforms aimed at supporting the country's nascent nuclear-powered submarine programme.

According to a separate statement issued by DAPA on the same day, the country will establish dedicated offices to support the effort.