The “Orka” programme, which aims to acquire three submarines for the Polish Navy, is entering its final stage. According to Polish local media, the contract’s value will exceed EUR 2.5 billion. Hanwha Ocean, a subsidiary of South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group—which recently signed significant contracts for K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and K239 Chunmoo MLRS systems—is offering its state-of-the-art KSS-III submarine to the Polish Navy. However, Hanwha Ocean’s proposal includes not only the submarines but also a long-term industry partnership with Polish defence and naval companies.
“We have decades of experience in building modern submarines. Thanks to cooperation with foreign technology partners, we have established world-leading capabilities in submarine construction and are now technologically independent. With decades of experience and technological advancement, we can meet the requirements of naval forces worldwide,” Vice Admiral Steve Jeong, Head of Naval Ship International Business at Hanwha Ocean, told Defence Industry Europe in an interview conducted in Warsaw, Poland.
Hanwha Ocean has built nearly 20 submarines so far. This number includes two KSS-III Batch I submarines delivered to the South Korean Navy. The company is currently executing the contract for the construction of three KSS-III Batch II submarines. The first of these ships is set to be delivered to the navy in 2027. “We have advanced production capacity and extensive experience in managing submarine construction programmes. If the Polish Navy selects the KSS-III under the “Orka” programme, we are ready to deliver the first ship to Poland within six years,” said Jeong.
KSS-III: The Highest Level of Submarine Technology
The current Batch II submarines are an upgraded design of Batch I, featuring with a displacement increased to around 3,600 tons and a length of up to 89 meters. They boast enhanced firepower with more vertical launchers, as well as modern propulsion solutions, including domestically developed lithium-ion batteries. The KSS-III Batch II submarine is highly automated, requiring a crew of 33, though it can accommodate up to 50 personnel. This automation also ensures safe operation in shallow waters like the Baltic Sea.
“The use of fuel-cell AIP (Air Independent Propulsion) System, which generates electricity via electrochemical cells without atmospheric air, along with modern lithium-ion battery systems, allows the vessel to remain submerged for over three weeks,” said Jeong. Additionally, the submarine is equipped with an upgraded sonar system, an advanced Combat Management System (CMS) with an open architecture which could be customized to meet export requirements, and tactical data links interoperable with allied systems.
A Heavily Armed Submarine for National Defence and Deterrence
The KSS-III submarine Hanwha Ocean offers to the Polish Navy is among the most heavily armed non-nuclear submarines on the market. “The KSS-III can be equipped with conventional submarine-launched ballistic missiles. Korean weapons, including SLBMs and cruise missiles, are part of our proposal for the Polish Navy, although they are subject to our government’s approval. Additionally, as a system integrator, we are capable of integrating other weapons of the Polish Navy’s choice, should they choose to do so. We have the necessary experience.” said Jeong.
The KSS-III can also be armed with anti-ship missiles. Jeong told Defence Industry Europe that from a technological standpoint, it is possible to integrate other anti-ship missiles, such as the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), if Poland decides to do so. However, this would necessitate cooperation with the missile manufacturer. The KSS-III is also equipped with heavy torpedoes and special equipment for mine-laying.
Partnership with Polish Industry
A key element of the Polish “Orka” programme is establishing local capabilities for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) of submarines. In response to this requirement, Hanwha Ocean offers Poland a deep industrial partnership, including technology transfer to Polish companies and the establishment of an MRO Support Centre in Poland.
“We propose a transfer of technology and knowledge that includes the maintenance of submarines, production of onboard equipment, and spare parts. We are confident that this will allow a large number of Polish companies to be integrated into the supply chain for the KSS-III submarine. This will have a significant impact on creating new jobs for highly skilled engineers and ensure that a substantial portion of the lifecycle costs, which Poland will incur over 30-40 years, remains within the country, boosting the national economy,” said Jeong.
Hanwha Ocean suggests that Polish specialists and engineers participate in the submarine construction process in South Korea to gain the necessary knowledge for future maintenance, repairs, and servicing. The South Korean company also declares its readiness to establish a 24/7 MRO Support Centre in Poland, where South Korean engineers would provide support services to the Polish Navy.
“By partnering with Hanwha Ocean within the “Orka” programme, the Polish industry could be integrated into our global supply chain and participate in contracts on other markets. This would enable the Polish technology base to grow significantly and build competitive advantages,” said Jeong.
