HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is expanding its presence in the defense sector, now venturing into the development of export-type submarines in collaboration with British company Babcock.
The collaboration was solidified during a meeting at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, involving key figures from both companies.
They discussed the future of the export-type submarine project, which is expected to weigh under 3,000 tons and incorporate Babcock’s Weapon Handling and Launch System (WHLS) to offer a technologically advanced submarine platform for the global market.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has already made notable achievements in submarine development, including the construction of a Type 214 submarine with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, the company said in a press release.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries now aims to leverage its technology for designing and constructing various classes of submarines, enhancing its competitive stance in the naval ship export market. This includes securing multiple orders from the Philippines for frigates, patrol vessels, and Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV), further establishing its leading position in the sector.