South Korea has succeeded in firing a test lightweight torpedo, strengthening its naval anti-submarine combat capability, according to a local defense institute on Thursday.

The "Cheongsangeo (Blue Shark)," which can be launched from both sea vessels and aircraft such as helicopters and PC-3 Aircraft, hit a target in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) last week during the final testing, paving the way for full deployment, South Korean national Yonhap News Agency quoted Agency for Defense Development (ADD) as reporting.

The torpedo, which boasts speeds in excess of 45 knots (83 kilometers per hour) and has a length of 2.7 meters and weight of 280 kilograms, is excellent in comparison with those of other countries.

The development of this kind of torpedo cost 50 billion won (43 million US dollars) since 1995 and its price tag per unit is estimated at one billion won (867,000 dollars), almost half the cost of similar foreign-made torpedos, according to the ADD.

South Korea's navy has 67,000 troops and has some 10 submarines, according to the 2003 Defense White Paper.