**OVERVIEW:** The 072 *Son Won-Il* [Type 214] is a diesel-electric attack submarine (SSK) operated by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).

**DETAILS:**
The *Son Won-Il* represents the second batch of Type 214 submarines acquired by South Korea, following the initial KSS-II program. These submarines are built under license from Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) of Germany, with significant local production and customization by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI). The Type 214 design incorporates Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology, specifically a fuel cell system, drastically enhancing submerged endurance compared to conventional diesel-electric submarines. This extended underwater capability is critical for operations in the challenging maritime environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula. The adoption of the Type 214 design reflects South Korea's commitment to building a modern and capable submarine force to address regional security concerns. The *Son Won-Il* was commissioned in 2023, integrating the latest upgrades and improvements incorporated into the Type 214 production line.

The primary roles of the *Son Won-Il* are anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), and covert mine laying. Its AIP system allows for prolonged silent running, making it exceptionally difficult to detect, a critical attribute for ASW operations. The submarine's advanced sonar suite provides long-range detection and tracking capabilities against both surface and subsurface targets. In the ASuW role, the *Son Won-Il* can engage enemy surface combatants and merchant shipping. The submarine can be deployed to patrol strategic chokepoints, monitor adversary naval activity, and support amphibious operations. Its stealth capabilities also make it suitable for special operations forces (SOF) insertion and extraction.

The sensor suite of the *Son Won-Il* provides a comprehensive underwater domain awareness picture. The FMS 52 hull-mounted sonar provides active and passive detection capabilities. The FL 1800U electronic support measures (ESM) system allows for the detection and identification of radar emissions, providing situational awareness and warning of potential threats. The DBQS-40 suite includes hull-mounted, flank, and intercept arrays, with signal processing via CSU 90, providing long-range detection and classification of underwater contacts. The Sphynx radar provides surface search capability. The DTA-50 towed array sonar (likely integrated with a TAS 90 processor) offers enhanced detection range and bearing accuracy, particularly in noisy shallow water environments. The OMS 100/SERO 400 periscope suite provides optical and infrared imaging, as well as laser rangefinding capabilities. The submarine's 533mm torpedo tubes allow for the launch of heavyweight torpedoes like the TAU-2000 for engaging submarines and surface vessels.

**SPECIFICATION:** Length: 65.0 m || Beam: 6.3 m || Draft: 6.0 m || Disp: 1690 t

**SENSORS:** FMS 52 || FL 1800U || DBQS-40 Hull [CSU 90] || Sphynx || DTA-50 [TAS 90] || DBQS-40 Flank [CSU 90] || DBQS-40 Intercept [IPS CSU 90] || OMS 100 / SERO 400 Periscope Suite

**ARMAMENT:** TAU-2000 DL || 533mm TT || 533mm TT