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The DSME1400 class submarine developed by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). (Photo: Hanwha Ocean) |
[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] Sub-headline: Rep. Park Sun-won reveals intelligence-led intervention in 2023 against unauthorized tech acquisition attempts by India and Taiwan
SEOUL, South Korea — It has been belatedly revealed that South Korean counterintelligence and defense agencies detected and intercepted attempts by India and Taiwan to illicitly acquire South Korea’s core submarine technology approximately three years ago.
According to Representative Park Sun-won of the Democratic Party of Korea, a member of the National Assembly's Defense Committee, military counterintelligence and intelligence agencies obtained information in early 2023 regarding organized efforts by Indian and Taiwanese entities to illegally secure Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) technology.
Reportedly, representatives from India and Taiwan attempted to infiltrate South Korean companies possessing AIP expertise by dispatching personnel to extract technical data. While the authorities confirmed that no technology was actually leaked, Rep. Park explained that the military took preemptive follow-up measures in August 2023, including comprehensive security training for all domestic firms holding AIP-related intellectual property.
AIP technology is a critical component that allows submarines to operate submerged for two to three weeks without the need for an external oxygen supply. This high-end technology is a key feature of South Korea’s latest naval assets, including the Jang Bogo-class submarines.
Alphabiz Reporter Kim Jisun(stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
