Hanwha Ocean Unveils Comprehensive KSS-III Batch-2 Submarine Offer for Poland’s Orka Program
South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean, a leading naval shipbuilding and defense company, today presented its comprehensive proposal for Poland’s Orka submarine program. The offer includes the delivery of three state-of-the-art KSS-III batch-2 conventional submarines, supported by full financial, technological, and training packages tailored to Polish strategic priorities.
In brief
Hanwha Ocean has offered the Polish Navy three KSS-III batch-2 submarines with AIP propulsion under the Orka programme, together with a technology, training and financing package. The first vessel could be delivered to Poland within 6 years and all three within 8 years of signing the contract, with financing independent of EU funds. The Hanwha Ocean offer includes MRO technology transfer covering more than 3,000 catalogue items, a training centre with VR and AR technologies and a 100 million USD investment fund. Sang-woo Lee of the DAPA armaments agency declared full support of the Korean government on 26 June in Warsaw.
The Hanwha Ocean solution emphasizes close industrial cooperation, interoperability with NATO systems, and ensures the continuity of the Polish Navy’s underwater capabilities.
Flexible Financing Model and Accelerated Delivery Schedule
Hanwha’s financing approach is fully independent of European Union funds, combining commercial financing with potential support from the South Korean government.
– This proposal guarantees Poland flexibility, predictability, and full control over the development of its maritime capabilities, stated Steve Jeong, Vice President of Hanwha Ocean and former Vice Admiral of the Republic of Korea Navy.
The planned delivery schedule foresees the first submarine arriving within six years, with the entire three-boat batch delivered within eight years from contract signing.
Bridging Solution and Integrated Crew Training
To ensure operational continuity, Hanwha offers a bridging solution, including temporary access to interim platforms and comprehensive crew training in cooperation with the Korean Navy. Training will utilize cutting-edge VR/AR technologies and a mentoring system, delivered through a planned training center in Poland.
KSS-III Batch-2 – Proven Technology in Demanding Operational Environments
The KSS-III batch-2 is a modern, conventionally powered submarine equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP), designed for operation in some of the world’s most challenging maritime environments. Having been operationally tested around the Korean Peninsula, these vessels boast over 30 years of incident-free service in the Republic of Korea Navy, underscoring their technological reliability and mature MRO systems.
Extensive Industrial Cooperation and Investment
Hanwha’s offer extends beyond vessel delivery to include:
- Transfer of MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) technology covering over 3,000 catalogued components,
- Establishment of a VR/AR-enabled training center in Poland,
- A $100 million investment fund aimed at developing the Polish maritime industry,
- Joint development of new maritime platforms, including Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USV), Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUV), and missile boats.
– “Hanwha is not new to the Polish market. Our partnership spans over a decade, built on trust, reliable deliveries, and joint industrial foundations,” said Jacek Cyrek, President of Hanwha Aerospace Europe.
South Korean Government Support
On June 26, representatives from Hanwha Ocean and the South Korean government participated in the 10th Maritime Security Forum in Warsaw, highlighting the key strengths of the KSS-III submarine platform.
Sang-woo Lee, Director General of the Submarine Program at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), emphasized the strategic defense cooperation between Poland and South Korea, government-backed technology transfer, operational support, and the advanced technological standards of the platforms actively used by the Korean Navy.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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