▲ This file photo, provided by the Navy, shows a naval tugboat carrying out a firefighting drill at a port in Changwon, about 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul, on May 19, 2025. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

submarine tugboat-launch ceremony

Arms agency holds launch ceremony for submarine tugboat

SEOUL, June 25 (Yonhap) -- A launch ceremony was held in southeastern South Korea on Thursday for a submarine tugboat designed to support the Navy's 3,000-ton class submarines, the arms procurement agency said.

The ceremony for the lead vessel of the Submarine Tugboat-II program took place at a shipyard in Busan, following its steel-cutting event in October, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a release.

The Submarine Tugboat-II is mainly designed to tow the Navy's 3,600-ton Jang Bogo submarines, with enhanced rescue and support mission capabilities, DAPA said.

It is expected to contribute to strengthening the Navy's combat support capabilities, including firefighting support and responding to marine pollution.

The tugboat's upgraded propulsion system offers greater power than previous models and its towing capability will enable it to carry out missions in narrow waters or adverse weather conditions, according to DAPA.

The lead vessel is set to be delivered to the Navy in December and will go into active service following an operational evaluation.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]