{"id":2202616,"date":"2023-11-01T17:00:32","date_gmt":"2023-11-01T08:00:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202616"},"modified":"2023-11-02T17:02:19","modified_gmt":"2023-11-02T08:02:19","slug":"hanwhas-submarine-bid-south-koreas-stakes-amid-chinese-maritime-threats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/11\/hanwhas-submarine-bid-south-koreas-stakes-amid-chinese-maritime-threats\/","title":{"rendered":"Hanwha’s submarine bid: South Korea\u2019s stakes amid Chinese maritime threats"},"content":{"rendered":"
In a bid to modernize the country\u2019s naval defense and with eyes set on South Korea\u2019s advanced maritime technology, Philippine Defense Undersecretary Irineo Espino recently <\/span>toured<\/span><\/a> Hanwha Ocean\u2019s shipbuilding facility in Geoje. His visit comes amid rising tensions in the South China Sea and as the Philippines grapples with the decision to invest in the Jangbogo-III PN \u2014 a state-of-the-art attack submarine by Hanwha, currently on the Philippines Navy\u2019s radar.<\/span><\/p>\n Historically leaning on World War II and Cold War-era vessels for naval defense, the Philippines embarked on a significant shift toward modernization in 2016. The landmark order of two <\/span>Jose Rizal-class frigates<\/span><\/a> from South Korea\u2019s Hyundai Heavy Industries highlights this transformation.<\/span><\/p>\n The appeal of South Korean-built warships for the Philippine Navy is multifold. Their cost-effectiveness, encapsulating both the build and after-sales service support, stands out. But it\u2019s not just about value for money. The track record of quality and reliability, underscored by <\/span>several Southeast Asian navies\u2019<\/span><\/a> experiences with Korean-built assets, positions South Korea as a formidable naval supplier.<\/span><\/p>\n ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY<\/b><\/p>\n Beyond their previous offer, Hanwha Ocean\u2019s Jangbogo-III PN represents a leap in submarine tech. While it <\/span>excludes<\/span><\/a> features like the KSS-III\u2019s missile vertical launch system and its hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, it boasts lithium-ion batteries that enhance its energy efficiency and operational period. According to Hanwha, this submarine can operate for up to <\/span>six days<\/span><\/a> without a recharge, ensuring stealth and extended operational periods.<\/span><\/p>\n Hanwha Ocean\u2019s proposal is all-encompassing. It comes with an assurance of training for Philippine submariners from ROK Navy experts, contingent upon the acceptance of this intergovernmental proposition. Embedded in this proposal is the possibility of a long-term financing solution, courtesy of the Korean government. If a deal materializes, the expected submarine delivery would be pegged at seven years post-contract signing.<\/span><\/p>\n Further sweetening the deal, Hanwha Ocean proposes the establishment of a dedicated maintenance yard for the Philippine Navy\u2019s submarines. This could be situated at the navy\u2019s existing Subic Bay base or <\/span>any other location<\/span><\/a> as deemed appropriate by the Philippine Navy. Modernizing the Subic Bay base would amplify support to both domestic and allied naval operations in times of peace and conflict. Alternatively, a different site could serve the strategic purpose of infrastructure dispersal.<\/span><\/p>\n Lastly, by procuring these submarines, the Philippines stands to join the ranks of the \u201cGlobal Jangbogo Club.\u201d This assembly of prospective exporters, which includes countries like <\/span>Poland<\/span><\/a> and Canada, paves the way for potential collaboration in training and knowledge exchange.<\/span><\/p>\n