SEOUL, July 10 (AJP) - Hanwha Ocean is intensifying its campaign to win a multibillion-dollar submarine contract from the Polish government, offering a localized production model, technology transfer, and strategic financing in a bid to secure the next-generation Orka submarine program.
The project, valued at an estimated 8 trillion won, or roughly $6 billion, is a key component of Poland’s broader military modernization push, as the country seeks to bolster its naval capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region.
At a recent media briefing in Warsaw, Hanwha Ocean laid out its proposal, underscoring its intent to work closely with Polish authorities and domestic defense contractors.
According to a defense industry official familiar with the matter, the company is exploring a range of financing mechanisms — including partnerships with private banks and public financial institutions — to help ease the fiscal burden of the project on the Polish government.
At the core of Hanwha’s bid is the KSS-III Batch-II class submarine, a cutting-edge vessel equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP) and ten vertical launch system (VLS) cells. Designed for enhanced stealth and maneuverability, the submarine is seen as particularly well-suited for operations in the shallow waters of the Baltic Sea.
Since 2023, Hanwha has steadily deepened its footprint in Poland.
In April, the company proposed leasing a KSS-I submarine to provide an interim solution ahead of the delivery of new units — an offer aimed at bridging potential capability gaps in the Polish Navy.
Hanwha’s outreach has included direct negotiations with major Polish shipyards, including Remontowa and Nauta, to explore avenues for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) infrastructure development and core technology transfer.
In May, the company signed memorandums of understanding with PGZ Stocznia Wojenna (PGZ SW) and Nauta during the MADEX naval defense exhibition, formalizing its commitment to local partnerships.
Its proposal also includes the establishment of a permanent MRO center, a $100 million investment package, workforce development initiatives, and long-term industrial cooperation agreements with local shipbuilders. The company frames this not merely as an arms deal, but as a strategic contribution to Poland’s defense industrial base.
By offering a comprehensive package that ties cutting-edge technology with local production and economic investment, Hanwha Ocean is positioning itself as more than a supplier — it aims to become a long-term partner in Poland’s national defense strategy.
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