November 25, 2024

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Two of the latest KSS-III (Korean Submarine-III) submarines, designed and constructed by Hanwha Ocean, were delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy in 2021 and 2023, respectively. (Hanwha Ocean)

Hanwha Ocean, the South Korean maritime defense systems provider, is playing a vital role in modernizing the nation’s naval prowess by providing advanced stealth submarines and multi-purpose warships.

For more than four decades, the company has been building vessels for the Navy, with the most recent deliveries including KSS (Korean Submarine-III) submarines, KDX-III (Korean Destroyer-III) destroyers and FFX (Future Frigate eXperimental) Batch-II frigates, with more advanced vessels in the pipeline.

Frigates are smaller than destroyers but have more versatility, often being tasked with protecting fleets, fighting subs, and patrolling the seas.

The most recent KSS-III program, initiated in 2004, reached a milestone with the delivery of the second 3,600-ton submarine in April last year, following the first in August 2021. The delivery situates it among the larger, more advanced classes of submarines worldwide, comparable to the 3,000-ton to 5,000-ton range of advanced European models.

These latest submarines feature technological advancements like stealth-enhanced hull designs, fuel-cell Air Independent Propulsion systems, and lithium-ion batteries, enabling extended underwater operations. These allow them to remain submerged for over three weeks -- significantly longer than the two or three days allowed by traditional diesel-electric submarines.

The KSS-III submarines also stand out for their versatile armament capabilities, including the ability to deploy both long-range and precision-guided missiles from underwater.

Hanwha Ocean's portfolio extends beyond submarines to the development of next-generation surface warships. The company is involved in the KDX (Korean Destroyer Project) and FFX (next-generation Frigate Program) projects, designing destroyers and frigates equipped with advanced weaponry, sensors, and combat systems. The latest KDX-III destroyers are capable of launching both cruise and ballistic missiles for comprehensive long-range threat engagement, while the FFX project focuses on producing frigates capable of executing a wide range of missions, from air and submarine warfare to surface combat.

The most sophisticated FFX Batch-III frigates in development feature integrated masts for streamlined sensor operations and close-in weapon systems for effective short-range defense. Hanwha Ocean is currently on track to deliver two of these FFX frigates by 2028.

By Moon Joon-hyun (mjh@heraldcorp.com)