Hanwha Ocean has presented its complete proposal for the Polish Navy’s Orka program, including the delivery of modern KSS-III Batch-2 submarines and a comprehensive package of financial, technological, and training support in line with Poland’s strategic priorities.
-The financing model is fully independent of EU funds and based on a hybrid structure combining commercial loans with potential government-backed instruments from Korea.
-The proposed schedule assumes delivery of the first submarine within 6 years and all three within 8 years.
-To ensure continuity of capability, Hanwha offers an interim solution – including temporary submarine access and crew training with the Republic of Korea Navy.
“This offer gives Poland flexibility, predictability, and full control over the development of its naval capabilities,” said Steve Jeong, Vice President of Hanwha Ocean and former Vice Admiral of the Republic of Korea Navy.
The KSS-III is South Korea’s most advanced conventional submarine, operationally tested in the challenging waters surrounding the Korean Peninsula. Over the past 30 years, no Korean submarine has suffered a serious incident – a testament to the reliability of this mature platform.
The broader offer includes:
-MRO technology transfer covering over 3,000 catalogue items,
– A dedicated training center in Poland (VR/AR, mentoring),
– A USD 100 million investment fund for Polish maritime industry development,
– Joint development of future platforms such as OPVs, USVs, UUVs, and missile boats.
“Hanwha is not new to the Polish market. Our partnership has developed over more than a decade and is built on mutual trust, reliable deliveries, and shared industrial foundations,” emphasized Jacek Cyrek, President of Hanwha Aerospace Europe.
On the previous day, June 26, Hanwha Ocean and Korean government representatives took part in the 10th Maritime Security Forum in Warsaw, highlighting the core strengths of the KSS-III submarine.
Sang-woo Lee, Director General of the Submarine Program at South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), emphasized the importance of Polish-Korean defense cooperation, including knowledge transfer, operational support, and the high technological maturity of the proposed platforms.
