The South Korean defense ministry has kicked off a bid for the country’s second batch of anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

The radar lock-on spat centers on a key point: search and rescue operations are not warfare.

The first of nine domestically built 3,000-ton diesel-electric air independent propulsion subs was launched on September 14.

South Korea seeks technology transfers or other benefits from a foreign supplier for the supply of 12 anti-submarine warfare helicopters.

The leaders have reportedly discussed the acquisition of nuclear-powered submarines during their recent summit.

The last four AW 159 anti-submarine warfare helicopters have joined the Republic of Korea Navy.

Seoul will field 12 additional maritime patrol helicopters by 2022 to counter North Korean submarines.

Following Pyongyang’s latest missile test, Seoul is considering boosting its anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

The Republic of Korea Navy will operationally deploy the new aircraft by the middle of 2017.

The new ship will be commissioned by the end of 2018.

The Republic of Korea Navy’s seventh diesel-electric air-independent propulsion submarine was launched this week.

Seoul is moving ahead with plans to purchase refurbished Viking S-3 planes.

Seoul continues to modernize its naval capabilities.

European military hardware is becoming more popular on the Korean peninsula.

The biennially held 'Silent Shark 2015' naval exercise is taking place from June 8-12 in the Philippine Sea.

Seoul is building up its submarine fleet but corruption scandals could delay the deployments of new vessels.