GYEONGNAM, South Korea -- Hanwha Ocean held a launch ceremony for the first KSS III Batch II submarine, Jang Yeong-sil (SS-087), on Oct. 22 at the Geoje Shipyard. The 3,600-ton submarine is larger than the previous three KSS III Batch I submarines, also known as the Dosan Ahn Chang Ho class, which displace 3,000 tons. The new submarine measures 292 ft (89 m), a 20 ft (6 m) increase from the earlier batch hulls. New lithium-ion batteries improve submerged operation time and energy system efficiency. The armament is also increased from 6 vertical launch system (VLS) cells to 10.

The Jang Yeong-sil was laid down on March 30, 2023, and is expected to be commissioned in late 2026. Two further Batch II units are expected to be commissioned by 2031, with keels laid for both boats in 2024. Upon completion, the South Korean Navy will operate a total of six KSS III submarines across two batches.

Source: Chosun Daily
Associated URL: https://www.chosun.com/english/national-en/2025/10/23/44T7V23CT5HWXLLFRZ4JQN64YI/
Author: Yang Ji-ho 

WASHINGTON -- On October 20, 2025, California-based drone manufacturer Seasats unveiled a new unmanned surface vessel (USV), dubbed Quickfish, which it demonstrated for the Navy. The new USV is reportedly a high-speed intercept vessel designed to provide positive video ID capabilities of other maritime vessels on the open ocean. The vessel itself is 17 feet in length and can travel faster than 35 knots.

According to Seasats, an unnamed U.S. defense prime has already purchased a Quickfish, and international partners in Australia, the Philippines, and Japan have signed agreements for local manufacturing and distribution. The Quickfish joins an influx of new unmanned surface vessels coming into the market, demonstrating the U.S. Navy’s heightened interest in leveraging unmanned technology on the water.

Source: Breaking Defense
Associated URL: https://breakingdefense.com/2025/10/usv-maker-seasats-unveils-high-speed-interceptor-quickfish/?utm_campaign=Skydio&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9KUGoKL3lR7BqfKYaQXaQnIIWTd0FWIMZ1Z1oig7PR9hvl8ccF3wkQZ6ZkqzdWwT72dk4uMCq_iuk8t1CFceouNswOsg&_hsmi=3860355

WASHINGTON -- On October 20, 2025, Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Garin Golding met with Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and conveyed Wellington’s interest in procuring the upgraded version of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s Mogami-class frigate. Admiral Golding also voiced concern over China’s growing maritime assertiveness and underscored the need for closer cooperation with Japan.

New Zealand’s neighbor and close ally, Australia, chose to adopt Japan’s improved Mogami-class design as its next-generation frigate in early August 2025. Australia has operated eight ANZAC-class frigates since the 1990s and plans to acquire 11 new general-purpose frigates. The first three ships will be built in Japan, with the first to be delivered to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) in 2029 and enter service in 2030. The remaining eight are expected to be built at Henderson shipyard in Western Australia. The RNZN currently operates two ANZAC-class frigates commissioned in the 1990s, and plans to introduce new frigates to replace them. Given the close relationship between Australia and New Zealand, it would not come as a shock should the RNZN also select Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class frigate.

Source: Naval News
Associated URL: https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2025/10/new-zealand-navy-expresses-interest-in-japans-upgraded-mogami-class-frigate/