“We are fully committed to providing an optimal financing package to ensure the smooth execution of the Orka Program,” said Steve Jeong, Vice President and Head of Naval Ship International Business at Hanwha Ocean, during a press briefing in Warsaw. “This approach is designed to maximize flexibility and affordability for Poland, while ensuring strategic autonomy over the Orka submarine program.”
Hanwha Ocean highlighted that the Republic of Korea Navy operates 21 submarines, a number comparable to the total diesel-electric fleets of Northern Europe. These vessels have recorded no safety incidents, underscoring the high standards of South Korean shipbuilding and maintenance capabilities.
The company intends to support the revitalisation of Poland’s shipbuilding sector by working closely with local shipyards. This cooperation will include maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of Polish Navy submarines and surface ships, as well as the construction of new vessels.
“This strategic cooperation will contribute to long-term industrial growth, job creation, and the development of a robust maritime ecosystem in Poland,” said Jeong, a retired Republic of Korea Navy vice admiral. Hanwha also plans to establish a $100 million fund aimed at developing high-value capabilities in Poland’s maritime and defence sectors.
Further investment includes the creation of a new training centre in Pomerania to educate future naval engineers. The centre will offer modular training programmes, virtual and augmented reality workshops, and expert mentoring.
As part of the Orka programme, Hanwha Ocean will transfer key MRO technologies to Poland through a phased roadmap to build lasting operational autonomy. The company has signed an agreement with PGZ/Nauta to jointly develop MRO infrastructure, workforce skills, and logistics frameworks within Poland.
Over 3,000 submarine MRO items will be transferred, supporting the establishment of a local Training, Logistics and Sustainment Centre. This will enable Polish shipyards to independently maintain the future submarine fleet.
Beyond Orka, Hanwha proposes a partnership with Polish shipyards for the joint development of advanced naval platforms. These include Offshore Patrol Vessels, Fast Missile Patrol Ships, Mine Warfare Unmanned Surface Vehicles, and Unmanned Underwater Vehicles.
The collaboration is designed to harness Hanwha’s shipbuilding expertise and Poland’s industrial potential, creating export-ready platforms for global markets. This initiative aims to extend the benefits of the Orka programme into long-term industrial cooperation.
The proposed KSS-III submarine is already in service with the Republic of Korea Navy, having been developed in response to real-world threats in a complex maritime environment. It features deep-strike capability, lithium-ion batteries, and an air-independent propulsion system, offering long-range, silent underwater endurance.
Hanwha Ocean has pledged to deliver the first submarine within six years of contract signing, and all three within eight years. To bridge operational needs during this period, the company is also prepared to offer interim submarines and training support in coordination with the Korean Navy.
