Hanwha Ocean updates its offer for Polish submarine Orka programme

A scale model of the KSS-III Batch 2 submarine presented by Hanwha Ocean during the MSPO 2024 defence exhibition in Kielce, Poland. (Jakub Link-Lenczowski)

Hanwha Ocean has revealed its updated offer for the supply of future submarines to the Polish Navy under the Orka programme. The South Korean shipbuilder is willing to deliver KSS-III Batch 2 vessels along with an extended MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) package as well as to invest in Polish shipyard infrastructure under the contract.

During a briefing held in early April, Hanwha Ocean presented a new updated timeframe for the delivery of three submarines for Poland. According to the Hanwha representatives, the first vessel could be delivered within six years after signing the contract, and all vessels could be delivered within eight and a half years.

Moreover, Hanwha is offering to lease the decommissioned Jang Bogo (KSS-I)-class submarine as a bridging solution for crew training. As Janes has learnt, the vessel is expected to be decommissioned from the South Korean navy in 2027 and, after refitting, could be delivered to Poland. Hanwha representatives told Janes that some of the command systems, which will be compatible with the KSS-III Batch 2 vessels, might be installed onboard. Such a solution could help to train Polish crews before the delivery. The leasing would be signed by the Polish and Republic of Korea governments with Hanwha Ocean.