The 214 boats with AIP may have advantages in ASW over the nuclear boats. And you can build a lot more for your money. Unless ROK plans to project power, the 214s are a better bet.
The AIPs are quieter. SK doesn’t need far-ranging nuclear subs. Sounds like SK is copying our very own military-industrial complex. Expensive unnecessary toys.
True, but there are other considerations.
If you build more boats you have to man them. More men, more training, more space at the docks for berthing them.
And how many boats do you need? ROK on needs enough boats to keep an eye on NRK’s boats.
If ROK fields too many boats in a limited patrol area they increase the chances of collision with shipping traffic or other boats.
One Nuke boat may be able to do more than two diesel boats with fewer men more safely considering the size of the territory to be patrolled.
It is not an easily made decision.