This graphic shows South Korea’s K-submarine manufacturing ecosystem, centered on system-integration shipbuilders Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. It highlights key suppliers in precision navigation, electric propulsion and air-independent propulsion batteries, as well as low-noise engines, high-pressure fittings and shipboard measurement systems. Source: Hanwha Ocean, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Vitzrocell, Samsung SDI and the Korea Defense Industry Association. Gemini-generated image and translated by UPI
June 8 (Asia Today) -- South Korea's submarine industry is entering a major transition as the government moves to pursue both advanced diesel-electric submarines and its first nuclear-powered submarine program.
The shift comes as renewed great-power rivalry and aging naval fleets among allied countries have placed underwater defense systems at the center of national security strategy.
Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries are competing for Canada's Patrol Submarine Project, one of the world's largest submarine procurement programs. The project is estimated at nearly 60 trillion won, or about $39 billion, and calls for the phased introduction of 12 diesel-electric hybrid submarines.
