SEOUL, September 02 (AJP) - Hanwha Group said Tuesday its three defense affiliates were taking part in Eastern Europe’s largest arms fair this week, as the South Korean conglomerate looks to strengthen its foothold in Poland and compete for a major submarine modernization program.
From Sept. 2 to 5, Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Ocean are exhibiting at the 33rd International Defense Industry Exhibition, or MSPO 2025, in Kielce, Poland.
The companies have set up a joint booth spanning nearly 300 square meters to present what they describe as integrated land, air and naval solutions.
Hanwha Ocean is highlighting its 3,000-ton Jangbogo-III (KSS-III) Batch II submarine, currently in service with the South Korean Navy. Equipped with air-independent propulsion and lithium-ion batteries, the vessel can remain submerged for more than three weeks and is capable of launching ballistic missiles.
The display is aimed squarely at Poland’s ORKA program, a centerpiece of Warsaw’s defense modernization drive. The initiative seeks to replace the Polish Navy’s lone Russian-built Kilo-class submarine with a new fleet of diesel-electric vessels.
Given the Baltic region’s coastal operating environment, Hanwha said it was also prepared to offer patrol ships, fast missile craft and unmanned surface vessels tailored to local needs.
Hanwha Ocean said it planned to sign agreements with Polish shipbuilders covering technology transfer, workforce training and marine development funding.
Hanwha Aerospace, meanwhile, is promoting the K9A2, an upgraded version of its self-propelled howitzer. The new model features fully automated shell loading, raising its firing rate from six to nine rounds per minute while cutting required crew from five to three.
Hanwha Systems is also unveiling its Active Protection System for the first time, a defensive suite designed to detect and neutralize incoming threats such as anti-tank missiles.
“Hanwha has built deep trust with Poland by keeping promises through the K9 and Chunmoo projects,” said Son Jae-il, chief executive of Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems. “We will continue to play an active role in building a stronger defense ecosystem together.”
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