Hanwha's Three Defense Affiliates Go All-Out in Poland... Submarine Deployment at the Forefront

Hanwha Ocean Unveils State-of-the-Art Jangbogo-III and Unmanned Vessels
Hanwha Aerospace Introduces Upgraded K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer Model for the First Time

Hanwha Group has proposed its 3,000-ton-class submarine, the Jangbogo-III (KSS-III) Batch-II, and offered an integrated solution for Poland's "Orka Project" (Orka·Navy Modernization Project). The Orka Project involves Poland's plan to purchase three to four 3,000-ton-class submarines at a cost of 1.8 to 2.1 billion euros (approximately 2.9 trillion to 3.4 trillion won). Following its selection as a shortlisted candidate for the Canadian submarine project, which is valued at up to 60 trillion won, Hanwha Ocean is now aiming to expand its presence in Europe as well.

According to Hanwha Group on September 2, Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean-the three defense affiliates of Hanwha Group-will participate in the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2025) held in Kielce, Poland. The three Hanwha defense companies have set up an integrated booth covering 299 square meters at the MSPO 2025 exhibition.

The Jangbogo-III (KSS-III) Batch-II, independently designed by Hanwha Ocean, is equipped with an Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) system and lithium-ion batteries. It boasts the best underwater endurance among existing diesel submarines (over three weeks) and is also capable of long-range strikes, including submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). The submarine measures approximately 89 meters in length and has a displacement of about 3,000 tons. This is the latest model operated by the Republic of Korea Navy. Notably, it is equipped with six 533mm torpedo tubes and ten domestically developed vertical launch systems (K-VLS). The K-VLS can launch the Hyunmoo-IV-4 ballistic missile and the Cheonryong cruise missile for ground attacks.

Hanwha Ocean is offering more than just submarines. The company has also presented customized solutions based on local production, including a 2,000-ton-class export-oriented Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV), a 500-ton-class Fast Missile Patrol Craft (FMPC), and a 500-ton-class unmanned vessel, all tailored to the operational environments of the Polish Navy and the Baltic States. Hanwha Ocean is highlighting its ability to supply integrated combat systems for submarines, thereby enhancing command and control capabilities. The company has signed agreements with shipyards under Poland's state-owned defense company PGZ for ship construction and maintenance. Hanwha Ocean is competing with European rivals such as Germany and Spain for the Orka Project and has proposed a rapid delivery plan to hand over the first submarine within six years of contract signing.

Lee Kyunggil, Executive Director of Hanwha Ocean's Special Ship Overseas Sales Team, stated, "Hanwha Ocean is the partner that can contribute to strengthening Poland's defense capabilities and industrial development," adding, "Through the Orka Project, we aim to showcase the excellence of Korean submarines in the European market and contribute to defense cooperation and economic growth between the two countries."

Hanwha Ocean and the other two Hanwha defense affiliates plan to use this exhibition to demonstrate their commitment to contributing to Poland's security and economy through comprehensive cooperation spanning from maritime to land and even space sectors.

Hanwha Aerospace will unveil the K9A2, an upgraded model of the K9 self-propelled howitzer, at the MSPO for the first time. The K9A2 can automatically load shells, increasing its rate of fire from six to over nine rounds per minute, while reducing the crew size from five to three. The export-oriented infantry fighting vehicle, K-NIFV, will also be exhibited for the first time, targeting the Polish market. Hanwha Systems will debut its Active Protection System (APS), which can proactively detect and neutralize external threats such as anti-tank missiles. In the space and air defense sectors, the company will showcase its small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite and the Cheongwang laser air defense weapon.

CEO Son Jaeil emphasized, "Hanwha has built deep trust with Poland by fulfilling our commitments through the K9 and Cheonmu projects. We will continue to play an active role so that South Korea and Poland can grow together in self-reliant defense and across the entire defense industry ecosystem."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.