The meeting opened with a speech by Hanwha Ocean’s Vice President, Vice Admiral Retired Steve SK Jeong:
“Today’s event marks the beginning of a long-lasting partnership we aim to establish. Building on this engagement, we plan to enhance our cooperation with our Polish partners through numerous similar events”
“This is also a significant step towards strengthening naval collaboration between Poland and Korea, as it highlights the potential for future cooperation, technology transfer, and the development of Poland’s naval defense capabilities.“
KSS-III for the Polish Navy
The KSS-III was the first submarine designed and built independently in the Republic of Korea. When surfaced, the KSS-III displaces 3,300 tonnes with dimensions of 83.3×9.6×7.62m. It is equipped with an AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) system using fuel cell. The underwater speed is 20 knots. KSS-III is armed with six 533.4mm tubes for heavy torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, cruise missiles and bottom mines. In addition – as the first ‘Western’ conventional submarine – the class received hull-mounted vertical launchers for SLBM (Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles) with conventional warheads.
The South Korean fleet already has three KSS-III Batch I-class submarines. Production of a fourth unit, also the first of KSS-III Batch II, is currently under construction at the Hanwha Ocean shipyard in Okpo. It is this variant that Hanwha Ocean is offering to the Polish Navy.
The KSS-III Batch II-class submarines have surface displacement increased to about 3,600 tonnes and length to 89 meters. Four vertical launchers have been added (for a total of 10 VLS), as well as the use of more domestically produced systems and lithium-ion batteries. The use of AIP and lithium-ion batteries means that the vessel can stay submerged for up to three weeks. KSS-III can operate effectively in both littoral shallow waters of the West Sea (shallower than the Baltic Sea) and deeper oceanic environments of the East Sea (Sea of Japan) around the Korean Peninsula.
The KSS-III Batch II features a high degree of automation, and a crew of 33, although it is possible to embark up to 55 personnel. In addition, the sub is equipped with an integrated sonar system with eight antennas, a Hanwha Systems Naval Shield Baseline 2.2 combat management system with an open architecture and adaptable to export requirements, and a Link-K tactical data link interoperable with allied systems.
MRO and ToT the basis for Polish independence in Orka life cycle
Hanwha Ocean does not offer to transfer submarine production to Poland. This would mean a lengthy preparation of a local shipyard, the associated massive financial outlay and a prolongation in time of the entire project. The South Korean company, on the other hand, realising the Polish Navy’s requirement to maintain submarines in service on its own, offered solutions to make this possible.
An important declaration was also made at the Industry Day: ‘If the Hanwha Ocean submarine is selected by the Ministry of National Defence, we are able to deliver it to the Polish Navy within six years of the contract award, based on Korea’s unique shipbuilding technology and effective project management skills,’ said Jaemin Kim, Orka project manager at Hanwha Ocean. Subsequent units would be ready at one-and-a-half-year intervals.
Hanwha Ocean is proposing the Korean Navy’s latest KSS-III submarine which has been designed and constructed by Hanwha Ocean. In addition, it is also offering comprehensive crew training to the Polish Navy in collaboration with the Korean Navy, and in line with the Polish Navy’s plans to maintain and repair its future submarines domestically, Hanwha Ocean is willing to offer comprehensive ToT plans to help the Polish industry independently conduct MRO operations in the future. This transfer includes essential maintenance technologies, licenses, and intellectual property for producing submarine onboard equipment and repair parts, said Admiral Jeong.
By the time Poland receives its first submarine, at least six KSS-III units will be operational with the Korean Navy. This ensures the sharing of spare parts, technical documentation, obsolescence management, and future upgrades throughout the submarine’s lifespan, all synchronized with the Korean Navy’s submarines.
During the Industry Day, Hawha Ocean presented its vision of industrial cooperation with Poland. It is based on four pillars:
– Comprehensive ToT: Hanwha Ocean will provide a comprehensive Transfer of Technology (ToT) to support the Polish industry in independently conducting maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of its future submarines in Poland. This ToT will not only transfer essential maintenance technologies, enabling local companies to independently conduct submarine MRO, but will also include licenses or IP for the production of submarine onboard equipment and repair parts.
– MRO Support Center in Poland: Hanwha Ocean will establish an MRO Support Center in Poland. Here, our technical experts will provide crucial onsite support and share extensive knowhows and knowledge directly with clients, strengthening the link between Poland and Korea. This center’s support will be pivotal in maintaining and servicing submarines, ensuring that Poland’s submarines maintain high availability and reliability.
– R&D collaboration with Universities and Research Facilities: Hanwha Ocean plans to collaborate with Polish universities including the Naval Academy and research institutions to co-develop naval ships and systems tailored to the Polish context. Hanwha Ocean’s in-house R&D Institute, with over 300 researchers, is well-positioned to contribute to this collaboration, covering topics from fundamental ship design to advanced eco-friendly energy systems and digital solutions for smart ships. The partnership will foster the creation of tailored, cutting-edge solutions that meet Poland’s unique requirements and contribute to the nation’s technological advancement.
– Further cooperation in other businesses: Hanwha Ocean, with its extensive expertise in naval ships, commercial vessels, and offshore plants, is set to enhance its cooperation with Polish shipyards. This strategic partnership aims to revitalize the Polish shipbuilding industry, create jobs, and establish a robust shipbuilding ecosystem. Furthermore, Hanwha’s involvement in sectors like defense and renewable energy opens opportunities for further collaborations, which could advance Poland’s capabilities in critical sectors, thereby enriching its industrial and technological framework.
