Internationale ontwikkelingen op onderzeebootgebied.

[Lynxian]

Major Defects Found On South Korea's Type 214 Submarine Fleet

According to a report submitted by People Power Party National Assembly Member Shin Wonsik major defects have been found on all nine of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)'s Son Won-il class submarines, modified versions of the German Type 214 also known as KSS II. This is a major blow to the ROKN's submarine force, which heavily relies on the vessels.



According to Shin, defects in the inverter modules' cables were found on 7 of the Son Won-il class submarines, while 2 of them had "functional" defects in the inverter modules themselves. The modules, produced by Germany's Siemens, are a critical component in a submarine's propulsion system, with twelve installed in each submarine. Naval News reported earlier this year that three of the Son Won-il class submarines suffered from problems with the system. The latest briefing by Shin has confirmed that the issue is significantly more extensive than previously thought.

To make matters worse, the exact cause of the cable-related defects remains unknown, meaning that seven of the ROKN's submarines have been deployed without the necessary repairs. This has led to numerous incidents, including one involving the third ship of the class, ROKS An Jung-geun, which had to be towed back to shore after being stranded in the middle of the East Sea when the inverter modules failed abruptly in January last year.
Shin Wonsik, National Assembly Member

Shin also went on to say that the problem is "most probably" a result of the depolymerization of the cables' outer coating instead of structural defects in the cables themselves, given that they have three layers of protection. However, there could be additional problems. For example, ROKS Jeong Ji, the second ship of the class, has not been deployed since October 2019, due to a leak from its cooling system damaging the inverter module. Naval News interviewed the Captain of ROKS Jung Ji during MADEX 2019. Moreover, further damage could have been caused to the inverter modules by the rust that has been generated from the cables.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration has paid Siemens 7.1 billion Korean won (around $ 5 million) for repairs. It is expected that the repair process for each modified Type 214 submarine, including the time it takes to transport the modules to Germany, will take six months. This is likely to negatively affect the submarine fleet's readiness in the years to come. The current administration has blamed the previous administration for this failure.
Shin Wonsik, National Assembly Member

However, some South Korean observers also wrote online that the current administration should also take responsibility and stop redirecting criticism.

About the Son Won-il class (Type 214)

The Son Won Il-class were acquired as part of the KSS-II program and is based on Type 214, a diesel-electric submarine developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft. The vessels, which are named after the ROKN's first chief of naval operations, Admiral Son Won-il, were a major milestone due to their use of the air-independent propulsion system.

Of the nine submarines in the ROKN's inventory, the first three were built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) with the remainder being split between HHI and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. The first vessel was commissioned in 2007. The last vessel of the class, the ROKS Shin Dol-seok, entered service in 2020.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/10/major-defects-found-on-south-koreas-type-214-submarine-fleet/

Ik ben nogal verbaasd dat het juist de inverter units zijn die stuk zijn. Naar mijn weten zijn dit juist hele standaard onderdelen. Bij mij op werk gebruiken we veel inverters (natuurlijk niet dezelfde; andere fabrikant, model, type, doel, etc.) en die dingen zijn doorgaans zeer solide gebouwd.

[Parera]

al die kennis helpt ons juist nu bij het selectieproces, bijvoorbeeld i.t.t. tot dat van Canada.

Ik hoop ook dat als Saab-Damen de order zou binnenhalen ze ook kijken naar Canada. Een andere klant is mogelijk ook nog Australië, waar men ook kijkt naar interim oplossingen totdat de AUKUS SSN's beschikbaar zijn wat mogelijk tot in de jaren '40 gaat duren.

[Huzaar1]

Dit heeft alleen nut als je gelijk doorbouwd. Dus na afronden boot 4 gelijk gaan bouwen aan boot 1 van de volgende generatie, of vullen met export orders tussendoor.
De Walrus hebben we ook zelf gebouwd, maar al die kennis hebben we nu niets aan.

al die kennis helpt ons juist nu bij het selectieproces, bijvoorbeeld i.t.t. tot dat van Canada.

[bergd]

duidelijk verhaal, dank

[Parera]

Ozb bouw is enorm complex.
Navantia is het verst in het ontwikkelingsproces, dus de risico's nu zijn juist lager.
Zo'n overschrijding gaan we nu nog tegen kunnen komen. Maar erger, vertraging. De eerste boot had er eigenlijk al moeten zijn.

Ondanks dat Navantia waarschijnlijk 4 prachtige boten gaat afleveren is dit een gepasseerd station. Niet alleen de problemen van toen maar ook de prijs wegen niet op tegen de voordelen.
We spreken bij alle aanbieders over een bedrag van ruim 1 miljard per boot, ik verwacht dat het nog wel eens iets hoger kan oplopen tot totaal 5 miljard voor 4 boten. Zoals altijd is het bouwen voor een eigen marine goedkoper dan export dus de 2,14 miljard voor Spanje is niet te vergelijken met onze situatie.

Ik denk dat het van landsbelang is dat we de boten (deels) in Nederland gaan bouwen zodat een volgende generatie boten goedkoper uitvalt dan nu door het niet/minder nodig hebben van buitenlandse kennis. Op dit moment zie ik dit alleen terugkomen bij Saab-Damen waarbij tot op heden als enigste een uitgewerkt plan is gepresenteerd hoe wat en waar er gebouwd gaat worden.
Naval Group heeft een vaag plan gepresenteerd waarbij de boten (deels) bij Royal IHC (af)gebouwd kunnen worden, en TKMS spreekt nu van volledige bouw in Duitsland.

Overigens ben ik ook voorstander van een vervolg project op het vWalrus project om er per boot 2 of 3 onbemande vaartuigen naast te bouwen (XLUUV's) die (eventueel) bewapend kunnen worden maar voornamelijk inzetbaar als sensor platform voor de grotere bemande boten. En net als de Spanjaarden zouden we ook moete kijken naar dry shelters voor de SOF en haar materiaal.

[Parera]

Waarom heeft Nederland deze al uitgesloten als vervanger?

Een te zware onderzeeër
https://elpais.com/politica/2013/05/08/actualidad/1368033966_797022.html

De onderzeeër S-80 Plus, van te zwaar tot te duur
https://elpais.com/politica/2018/02/10/actualidad/1518278999_683988.html



Het komt er op neer dat er bij de  S-80 boten in het ontwerp fouten gemaakt zijn waardoor de boten 75 a 100 ton te zwaar waren. Het gaat hier eigenlijk alleen om de eerste boot Isaac Peral (S-81), omdat de rest van de klasse nog aangepast kon worden tijdens de bouw.

Dit probleem is opgelost door Navantia door 10 m lengte toe te voegen aan de boten, maar hier zaten wel extra kosten aan verbonden voor de Spaanse marine. Dit koste op alle 4 de boten samen 1550 miljoen euro + 100 miljoen reserve voor onverwachte kosten. Het bedrag waar de boten origineel voor gebouwd zouden worden was 2135 miljoen euro, waar mee de extra kosten neerkwamen op 72,5% verhoging. Ik gok dat hierom DMO het besluit genomen heeft om Navantia uit te sluiten van deelname.

Een ander ''probleem'' is dat de eerste en tweede boot niet voorzien gaan worden van een AIP systeem bij de oplevering. Deze worden pas ingebouwd bij een groot onderhoud, dan moeten beide boten open gemaakt worden en deze AIP module er tussen gezet worden. De derde en vierde boot krijgen dit systeem wel gelijk bij oplevering.

Een ''proven AIP'' is voor zover ik weet wel een eis van onze KM voor de aanbieders, iets wat ook het Franse Naval Group nog niet heeft in een varende boot.

[bergd]

Bouw Spaanse onderzeeboten vordert, primeur op gebied van voortstuwing nadert  ( interessant artikel ... voorzichtige gespreken met Canada en nieuwe AIP )

De nieuwe Spaanse onderzeeboot Isaac Peral ging in mei voor het eerst naar zee. Momenteel bereidt Navantia de boot voor op een tweede proefvaart, voor de oplevering in 2023. Ondertussen komt het moment dat de vernieuwende luchtonafhankelijke voortstuwing in gebruik wordt genomen, steeds dichter bij. Dit bleek tijdens een bezoek van Marineschepen.nl.

.../...

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Bouw-Spaanse-onderzeeboten-vordert-131022.html

Waarom heeft Nederland deze al uitgesloten als vervanger?

[Harald]

Bouw Spaanse onderzeeboten vordert, primeur op gebied van voortstuwing nadert  ( interessant artikel ... voorzichtige gespreken met Canada en nieuwe AIP )

De nieuwe Spaanse onderzeeboot Isaac Peral ging in mei voor het eerst naar zee. Momenteel bereidt Navantia de boot voor op een tweede proefvaart, voor de oplevering in 2023. Ondertussen komt het moment dat de vernieuwende luchtonafhankelijke voortstuwing in gebruik wordt genomen, steeds dichter bij. Dit bleek tijdens een bezoek van Marineschepen.nl.

.../...

https://marineschepen.nl/nieuws/Bouw-Spaanse-onderzeeboten-vordert-131022.html

[Harald]

Major Defects Found On South Korea's Type 214 Submarine Fleet

According to a report submitted by People Power Party National Assembly Member Shin Wonsik major defects have been found on all nine of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)'s Son Won-il class submarines, modified versions of the German Type 214 also known as KSS II. This is a major blow to the ROKN's submarine force, which heavily relies on the vessels.



According to Shin, defects in the inverter modules' cables were found on 7 of the Son Won-il class submarines, while 2 of them had "functional" defects in the inverter modules themselves. The modules, produced by Germany's Siemens, are a critical component in a submarine's propulsion system, with twelve installed in each submarine. Naval News reported earlier this year that three of the Son Won-il class submarines suffered from problems with the system. The latest briefing by Shin has confirmed that the issue is significantly more extensive than previously thought.

To make matters worse, the exact cause of the cable-related defects remains unknown, meaning that seven of the ROKN's submarines have been deployed without the necessary repairs. This has led to numerous incidents, including one involving the third ship of the class, ROKS An Jung-geun, which had to be towed back to shore after being stranded in the middle of the East Sea when the inverter modules failed abruptly in January last year.

"The biggest problem with this is that the ROKN has continued to operate the vessels without having figured out the cause of the problem, as if there were no issues with the propulsion system...Their claim that there are no issues contradicts the fact that they are trying to get the modules replaced. The ROKN top brass needs to figure out what is going on."

Shin Wonsik, National Assembly Member

Shin also went on to say that the problem is "most probably" a result of the depolymerization of the cables' outer coating instead of structural defects in the cables themselves, given that they have three layers of protection. However, there could be additional problems. For example, ROKS Jeong Ji, the second ship of the class, has not been deployed since October 2019, due to a leak from its cooling system damaging the inverter module. Naval News interviewed the Captain of ROKS Jung Ji during MADEX 2019. Moreover, further damage could have been caused to the inverter modules by the rust that has been generated from the cables.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration has paid Siemens 7.1 billion Korean won (around $ 5 million) for repairs. It is expected that the repair process for each modified Type 214 submarine, including the time it takes to transport the modules to Germany, will take six months. This is likely to negatively affect the submarine fleet's readiness in the years to come. The current administration has blamed the previous administration for this failure.

"The submarine's importance to our military strategy is growing by the day...the fact that the previous administration ignored this problem despite the very serious security situation that our nation is in is irresponsible and deplorable."

Shin Wonsik, National Assembly Member

However, some South Korean observers also wrote online that the current administration should also take responsibility and stop redirecting criticism.

About the Son Won-il class (Type 214)

The Son Won Il-class were acquired as part of the KSS-II program and is based on Type 214, a diesel-electric submarine developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft. The vessels, which are named after the ROKN's first chief of naval operations, Admiral Son Won-il, were a major milestone due to their use of the air-independent propulsion system.

Of the nine submarines in the ROKN's inventory, the first three were built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) with the remainder being split between HHI and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. The first vessel was commissioned in 2007. The last vessel of the class, the ROKS Shin Dol-seok, entered service in 2020.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2022/10/major-defects-found-on-south-koreas-type-214-submarine-fleet/

[Parera]

The Royal Navy to examine the balance between investment in submarines and warships
The Defence Secretary has instructed the RN to conduct a study lasting no more than 6 months to assess the balance between the warships and submarines. Here we look at what might be concluded and how the balance could be changed.

Context
Putting aside the appalling decline in overall numbers since 1970, the ratio of RN attack submarines to surface escorts has remained pretty constant between 3:1 and 4:1. The exception was in the 1980s when the submarine service reached its Cold War zenith, operating a large force of nuclear and conventional submarines, briefly attaining a ratio of about 1 boat for every two surface escorts. This was a deliberate policy, configured as primarily an ASW navy, the best way to counter the vast Soviet submarine fleet was with other submarines. Numbers in themselves are not a real indicator of fleet strength as many other factors such as the type of boat, nuclear-powered or conventional, the quality of construction, training standards etc must all be considered but this does give a rough indicator of the balance of investment. (Aircraft carriers and amphibious vessels have not been included in this assessment – after all submarines and escorts are intended to protect them. Their numbers and costs are historically rather uneven, although their procurement obviously impacts the resources available for submarines)

https://www.navylookout.com/the-royal-navy-to-examine-the-balance-between-investment-in-submarines-and-warships/

[Harald]

France offers four submarines to Australia despite the stab in the back of AUKUS

According to information published by Opex 360 on September 15, 2022, French President Emmanuel Macron offered his Australian counterpart Scott Morrison four submarines despite the AUKUS security pact described as 'a stab in the back' by the former French MFA Le Drian.

Exactly one year ago, Australia, through its then Prime Minister Scott Morrison, announced its intention to procure nuclear-powered general-purpose attack submarines (SSN) as part of its alliance with the United States and the United Kingdom (AUKUS).

This was to provoke a serious diplomatic crisis with Paris since this decision implied the cancellation of a contract for the delivery of twelve Barracuda class submarines by Naval Group to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).

However, with tensions mounting in the Indo-Pacific region, Australia, which has no nuclear industry, is not expected to have an ANS by 2040... And the six Collins-class submarines that the RAN is currently deploying will have reached the end of their potential well before that deadline. Hence the risk of a major capability breakdown in the years to come.

That said, the political situation has since changed in Canberra, following the May general election. For the moment, the new Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, has not called into question his predecessor's project. Moreover, an agreement was recently signed with the United Kingdom to allow Australian submariners to train on board the Royal Navy's Astute-class submarines.

In addition, the choice of nuclear submarine model to equip the RAN is expected to be announced by Richard Marles, the Australian Minister for Defence, in the first quarter of 2023. And in the United Kingdom, construction of the Astute will end after the delivery of the seventh unit expected by the Royal Navy, with London's priority going to the "Dreadnought" nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine program.

In any case, Mr. Marles' first concern is to avoid a capability breakdown at the RAN. This could involve modernizing the six Collins submarines as part of the LOTE (Life-of-Type Extension) program, which was announced by Peter Dutton, his predecessor. And there is talk of modifying them so that they can carry Tomahawk cruise missiles.

However, given the uncertainty regarding the ANS to be acquired via the AUKUS alliance, Canberra could examine other options, such as the choice of a new model of a 'conventionally' powered submarine.

Sweden's Saab, which designed the Collins, is looking closely at the dossier, as its CEO, Micael Johansson, confirmed in July. According to him, it would be a question of filling the gap between the end of life of the Collins and the potential arrival of the ANS.

South Korea, which has strengthened its military ties with Australia, is lying in wait, assuring that its industry would be able to build conventional propulsion attack submarines of the Dosan Ahn Changho-class (KSS-III) for the RAN within seven years.

And the French would not be outdone. Since becoming Prime Minister, Albanese has been working to renew ties with France. One of his first decisions was to compensate Naval Group, to the tune of 555 million euros, for the cancellation of the submarine contract decided by his predecessor.

And the warming of Franco-Australian relations took concrete form in July, after his meeting with President Macron. On this occasion, it was decided to reset the meters and start again on a new basis.

President Macron even took the opportunity to propose supplying four submarines to Australia. These would be built in Cherbourg and not in Adelaide, as was to be the case for the twelve Barracuda class submarines.

What is really going on, given that Naval Group is already busy building the Suffren class SSNs in Cherbourg while preparing the 3rd generation SSBN program? We should probably know more in November if Mr. Macron confirms the official trip he has planned to make to Australia.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/september/12202-france-offers-four-submarines-to-australia-despite-the-stab-in-the-back-of-aukus.html

[Harald]

Saab receives new order to upgrade the submarine Södermanland

According to a PR published by Saab on September 14, 2022, the firm has received new orders from FMV regarding submarine upgrades. The orders include a lifetime extension of HMS Södermanland, as well as new batteries and battery development. The total order value is SEK 470 million.

The lifetime extension means that the submarine HMS Södermanland will receive around 50 modifications, prolonging and enhancing her operability for a further six years.

The orders also include an exchange of batteries for the Swedish Navy's current submarine fleet, as well as a project focusing on battery development, to ensure capabilities both at present and long-term.


About the submarine HMS Södermanland

HSwMS Södermanland (Söd) is a Swedish naval submarine, launched in 1988 and currently in active service. She is the third ship of the Västergötland-class submarine and was named after Södermanland, Sweden.

Between 2000 and 2004, Södermanland and Östergötland underwent extensive modifications, were extended by 12 meters (39 ft), and fitted with air-independent Stirling engines.

The diesel-electric submarine has a length of 60.5 m (198 ft 6 in), a beam of 6.1 m (20 ft 0 in), and a displacement of 1,400 tons surfaced and 1,500 tons submerged.

The Södermanland class submarine is powered by a diesel-electric and Stirling AIP system integrating two Hedemora diesel-electric engines and two Kockums v4-275R Sterling AIP units.

The Swedish submarine can reach a top speed of 8 knots (15 km/h; 9.2 mph) surfaced and 15 knots (28 km/h; 17 mph) submerged. She is armed with six conventional 533 mm torpedo tubes and three 400 mm bow torpedo tubes.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/september/12191-saab-receives-new-order-to-upgrade-the-submarine-soedermanland.html

[Lynxian]

Goedkope subs! Interessant tonnage ook. 

Ook een goed gekozen aantal, gezien hun overburen. Hoewel de Chinezen er een stuk meer hebben vermoed ik toch dat dit ze niet heel gerust stelt met het ook op de toekomst.

[Reinier]

In addition, the design is believed to have been influenced by the Dutch submarines currently operated by Taiwan.

Zij wel 

[Harald]

Taiwan might order seven additional indigenous submarines

According to information published by Taipei Times on July 19, 2022, the Executive Yuan might allocate a budget of as much as US$10 billion for seven additional submarines. The first Taiwanese Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) is expected to be launched in September.

The Indigenous Defense Submarine (IDS) program is a Taiwanese project to develop and build in-house a class of attack submarines for the Republic of China Navy.

The first indigenous diesel-electric submarine is expected to enter service in 2025, to be followed by seven more. They will replace the four aging submarines the country received several decades ago.

The exterior design appears to resemble Japan's Soryu- and Oyashio-class SSKs, with an X-shaped rudder. The ships will be assembled using Japanese shipyards. The ships will be assembled in Taiwan using Japanese construction techniques.

According to some reports, a version of the AN/BYG-1 submarine combat management system, used in the US Navy's nuclear submarines, is being offered in Taiwan. In addition, the design is believed to have been influenced by the Dutch submarines currently operated by Taiwan. The vessels are estimated to be in the 2,500-ton class and 70 meters in length.

The armament of the first indigenous defense submarine will consist of MK-48 Mod 6 Advanced heavy torpedoes and Harpoon Block II UGM-84L submarine-launched missiles.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2022/july/11946-taiwan-might-order-seven-additional-indigenous-submarines.html