By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter


A state-run defense research institute said yesterday it plans to develop a sophisticated long-range anti-submarine missile on its own by 2007 as part of programs to build up ``cooperative self-reliant’’ defense capability.

The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) said it has set aside a total of 100 billion won ($990 million) a year to build the anti-submarine missiles, which are being planned to equip 4000-ton-class destroyers.

Last May, the Navy launched its fourth 4,000-ton-class destroyer, ``Wang Geon,’’ which is capable of waging anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare as well as electronic surveillance operations and stealth functions.

The Wang Geon is the fourth and last 4,000-ton-class destroyer that the Navy has developed under its shipbuilding program, codenamed KDX-II. KDX refers to Korean Destroyer Experimental.

The envisaged satellite-guided missile will be able to hit an enemy submarine located at a distance of about 20 kilometers (12 miles). Currently, only the United States, Russia and France have their own anti-submarine missiles.

``The ADD has devoted itself to boosting the nation’s military capability and competitiveness in preparation for future warfare by developing advanced weapons systems, including radar-evading stealth technology,’’ said Choi Tae-in, vice director of the agency, in a briefing. The institute celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding yesterday.

Choi said his institute is currently developing 14 new weapons systems and 42 advanced weapons technologies with the investment of about 674 billion won ($660 million), 3.2 percent of the country’s defense budget scaled at 20.8 trillion won.

Researchers at the ADD will focus on upgrading command, control, communication, computer and intelligence tactical systems as well as air surveillance technology in order to make the country’s military the world’s eighth most powerful Armed Forces by 2015, Choi stressed.

The institute has already completed the development of portable anti-air precision guided missiles and sophisticated anti-ship cruise missiles. It also developed a prototype of a state-of-the-art amphibious armored vehicle equipped with guided missiles and a laser warning system called the Korea Next Infantry Fighting Vehicle (KNIFV).

The KNIFV will be deployed in the field starting in 2008, ADD officials said. The government will spend 91 billion won ($90.2 million) by 2006 for the development of the KNIFV, under its mid- to long-term weapons buildup program.

gallantjung@koreatimes.co.kr