SEOUL, May 16 (Xinhua): South Korean Defense Ministry said Tuesday that new submarine and destroyer equipped with an air defense combat system will be launched soon to boost the country's navy.

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), a 1,800-ton diesel-electric submarine will be launched early next month following a previous one launched last June.

The submarine has been developed in partnership with Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG, the DAPA said, adding the submarine named 'Jeongji', will be commissioned around November 2008.

"Jeongji" was a military leader of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), who led a series of victories in battle with the Japanese Navy, local reports said.

South Korean Navy spokesman said the country's first Aegis combat system-enabled destroyer will be launched next week.

After the launch of the destroyer, KDX-III, made by Hyundai Heavy Industries, South Korea will become the fifth nation in the world to own such a ship equipped with the Aegis combat system, South Korean Navy said.