Poland is in talks with South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean about a strategic partnership that includes the purchase of submarines.
According to a press release issued by the company on 29 November 2023, Hanwha Ocean has presented its 3,600-tonne KSS-III submarine, currently in service with the Republic of Korea Navy, to the Polish Navy, which has been endeavouring to replace its submarines for some time. The Orka project was launched for this purpose in 2014. Since then, European submarine builders have been endeavouring to secure a Polish order. In May 2023 Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak announced that the purchase of submarines would be initiated this year.
The offer from Hanwha Ocean not only includes the construction of the submarines and the usual training programme, but also the establishment in Poland of a centre for submarine maintenance, repair and overhaul.
The Polish Navy currently currently operates just one Russian Project 877E ‘Kilo’-class submarine, ORP Orzeł, from a former submarine flotilla of five units. The decommissioning of the other boats, four Norwegian Kobben-class submarines, began in 2017 and was completed in 2021.
The South Koreans’ proposals included an industrial policy vision where Hanwha Ocean mapped out a strategic path for Polish industry. This would see co-operation go beyond naval projects to also include partnerships for merchant ship and offshore projects, in which the company has expertise.
The company has also expressed interest in exploring opportunities in the renewable energy sector and in research and development.
“Hanwha Ocean emphasises the comprehensive nature of the co-operation and sees it as a contribution to the growth and prosperity of both countries,” the South Korean company stated in its press release. “Through a holistic approach to industrial co-operation, Hanwha Ocean aims to position itself as a long-term partner and promote lasting relations between South Korea and Poland.”
Should these intentions materialise, they would represent another setback for European defence co-operation but a further example of South Korea successfully exporting defence equipment into Poland. In July 2022 the Polish Ministry of National Defense ordered 48 Korea Aerospace Industries FA-50 light combat aircraft. In August 2022 Seoul announced it had received a Polish order for K2 tanks and K9 self-propelled howitzers.
