Unmanned submarine nearing field testing

Korean scientists have developed an unmanned submarine capable of operating at 6,000 meters (19,700 feet) below the ocean, the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said yesterday. The project was launched in 2001 with a budget of 1.2 billion won ($11.5 million). The machine is undergoing final testing on dry land before it is launched for underwater testing, the ministry said. “Korea is the fourth country, after the United States, France and Japan, to develop the technology required to build such a vehicle,” Oh Keo-don, the maritime minister, said in a press briefing. The ministry will test the 3.7-ton submersible in April at 2,000 meters, the ministry said, and will follow with more tests in September in the Pacific Ocean.