HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Wins Jangbogo-II Submarine Performance Upgrade Project

Contract Worth 468.9 Billion Won Signed with DAPA
System Development to Follow Jangbogo-I Upgrades

On October 30, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that it had signed a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration for a performance upgrade system development project for three Jangbogo-II (214 class) submarines, valued at 468.9 billion won.

This project targets three out of the nine Jangbogo-II submarines that have been in operation for over ten years. The goal is to enhance operational efficiency and survivability by replacing core equipment-including the combat system, towed array sonar, mine avoidance sonar, and buoy-type antenna-with the latest models. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to complete the project by 2033 in cooperation with LIG Nex1, which previously handled the performance upgrade of the Jangbogo-I (209 class) submarines.

Sea trial footage of the Jangbogo-II (Type 214) submarine Yoon Bonggil, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy in 2016. Provided by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

The 214 class submarine (with a displacement of approximately 1,800 tons) is a mid-sized submarine of the Republic of Korea Navy, which has been deployed in actual operations from 2007 to 2020. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries built six out of the total nine vessels, including the “Son Wonil,” which was the first non-German submarine to be equipped with an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system.

In January last year, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries completed the overhaul of the Jangbogo-II class “Yoon Bonggil” submarine 35 days ahead of schedule, delivering it earlier than the contractual deadline. More recently, the company has also strengthened its capabilities in the maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) sector by carrying out regular maintenance for the US Navy’s Seventh Fleet supply ship “USNS Alan Shepard.”

Joo Wonho, Head of Naval & Mid-sized Ship Business Division at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, stated, “This project is a recognition of our accumulated expertise and competitiveness in the submarine sector. We will upgrade the 214 class Jangbogo-II submarines with advanced performance to contribute to enhancing the Navy’s capabilities.”

Meanwhile, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is in the process of merging with HD Hyundai Mipo. Through this merger, the company aims to further strengthen its competitiveness by consolidating its technological prowess and business capabilities in the special ship and naval vessel sectors.

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