Participation in MSPO from 3rd to 6th... Korea's Only Submarine Exhibition
"K9 and Cheonmu Present Integrated Solutions with Trust and Technology"
Hanwha has officially entered the competition to secure Poland's next submarine project (Orka) by showcasing South Korea's most advanced submarine, Jangbogo-Ⅲ (KSS-III). While competitors such as France and Germany emphasize European Union (EU) weapon systems to persuade the Polish government, Hanwha offers an integrated security solution based on the proven reliability of the K9 self-propelled howitzer and Cheonmu multiple launch rocket system.
Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean, the three defense companies of Hanwha Group, announced on the 2nd that they will participate in the international defense industry exhibition (MSPO) held in Kielce, Poland, from the 3rd to the 6th. MSPO, held annually since 1993, is the largest defense industry exhibition in Eastern Europe, with approximately 700 companies from 35 countries and around 26,000 participants expected this year.
A bird's-eye view of the Hanwha integrated exhibition hall at the MSPO Poland International Defence Industry Exhibition held from the 3rd to the 6th (local time) in Kielce, Poland. Photo by Hanwha
At this exhibition, Hanwha Ocean will participate as the only domestic submarine exhibitor to introduce the Jangbogo-Ⅲ. The independently designed 3,000-ton Jangbogo-Ⅲ is equipped with torpedo launch tubes capable of deploying heavyweight torpedoes, anti-ship and cruise missiles, as well as a vertical launch system for submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBM). It also features the world’s first lithium-ion energy storage system (ESS) for submarines developed by Hanwha Aerospace and a hydrogen fuel cell-based air-independent propulsion system (AIP). It can remain submerged for up to three weeks. Additionally, Hanwha is considering an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) localization strategy that involves gradually transferring submarine maintenance, repair, and overhaul technologies to Polish companies.
French state-owned shipbuilder Naval Group and Germany’s TKMS, both competing for the Polish submarine contract, are intensifying competition by leveraging comprehensive government-level support. Seungkyun Jeong, head of Hanwha Ocean’s Special Ship Overseas Business Division, emphasized, “The Jangbogo-Ⅲ is optimized for Poland’s security environment with proven technology and outstanding performance. It can strengthen security through the modernization of the Polish Navy and generate economic benefits through localized technology transfer.”
Hanwha Systems will present the integrated combat system to be installed on the Jangbogo-Ⅲ at the exhibition. Designed to efficiently operate sonar sensors, non-acoustic sensors, armaments, and communication systems, it enables precise underwater operations. The company will also showcase the MOSS platform (Modular Open Suite of Standard Platform), an integrated command, control, and communication solution. This platform is a mobile 5G tactical communication base station optimized for various maneuvering platforms.
Hanwha Aerospace will exhibit the actual model of the multipurpose unmanned vehicle ‘Arion Smet.’ Based on AI, Arion Smet can operate remotely and autonomously, performing various missions such as transporting supplies and ammunition, evacuating wounded soldiers, reconnaissance, and close combat in place of soldiers. It has already completed combat suitability evaluations and demonstration operations for export weapon systems domestically. In December last year, it successfully passed the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps.
Lee Buhwan, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s European branch, stated, “Following the K9 and Cheonmu, we plan to participate in Poland’s future multipurpose unmanned vehicle and infantry fighting vehicle acquisition and development projects, further expanding cooperation in ground weapon systems.”
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
