Hanwha Ocean Begins Research on the World's Most Secretive Submarine Technology

Hanwha Ocean has consecutively secured key research projects related to naval vessels.

Hanwha Ocean announced on the 29th that it recently signed a research and development service contract with the Defense Technology Promotion Research Institute for the design technology of new device equipment for submarines. The device equipment refers to equipment that reduces magnetism generated by submarines to avoid detection by enemies.

Hanwha Ocean's Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarine under construction (Photo by Hanwha Ocean)

The design technology Hanwha Ocean will develop includes design technologies for demagnetization coils, controllers, power supplies, and magnetic sensors. By applying these technologies, Hanwha Ocean plans to enhance advanced stealth capabilities and build the world's most covert submarines. The research will continue until May 2028, with prototypes to be produced and performance verified.

Last month, Hanwha Ocean was also selected as the preferred negotiation candidate for the unmanned submarine energy source system project, a prototype project by the Agency for Defense Development. This project involves developing a hydrogen fuel cell system applicable to multipurpose modular unmanned submarines.

Hanwha Ocean boasts the best submarine technology derived from nearly 40 years of experience in submarine construction. Since first securing the order for the 1,200-ton class submarine No. 1 "Jangbogo" from the Republic of Korea Navy in 1987, Hanwha Ocean has built 16 out of the 23 submarines owned by South Korea, including nine Jangbogo-I, three Jangbogo-II, and four new 3,000-ton class Jangbogo-III submarines. It is the only shipyard in South Korea to have constructed all types of domestic submarines.

Hanwha Ocean has also independently developed medium-sized submarines over 3,000 tons. Developing medium-sized submarines independently with its own technology places Hanwha Ocean as the eighth country following the United States, United Kingdom, France, Japan, India, Russia, and China.

A Hanwha Ocean official stated, "Based on our superior defense technology, we are promoting technological innovation and development and are considering entering the global maritime defense market centered on the United States and Europe. We will play a significant role in strengthening global maritime security and supporting the nation's strategic interests."