SLBM-capable submarines a top attraction at Madex

BUSAN — This year’s Madex event marked the debut appearance of Hanwha Ocean, which was recently rebranded from Daewoo Shipbuilding and Maritime Engineering since it was acquired by Hanwha on May 23.

Visitors look around exhibition booths at a convention center in Busan for the three-day International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (Madex) that runs through Friday. [YONHAP]

BUSAN — Amidst a dazzling display of latest-generation maritime technology at the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (Madex) in Busan, the Jang Bogo-III Batch-II Submarine, the first diesel-electric submarine capable of launching submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), garnered intense attention from foreign naval enthusiasts and dignitaries at the Hanwha Ocean booth on Wednesday.

"While a vertical launching system (VLS) is commonly found on nuclear-powered submarines, it is rare for diesel submarines like the Jang Bogo-III to incorporate such a feature,” a Hanwha Ocean official said as he proudly showcased a figure of the submarine to an eager crowd of foreign navy officials. “The submarine also incorporates a domestically developed Lithium-ion battery system, which enables long-distance underwater operations for a longer period compared to previous models.”

This year’s Madex event marked the debut appearance of Hanwha Ocean, which was recently rebranded from Daewoo Shipbuilding and Maritime Engineering since it was acquired by Hanwha on May 23. There, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Kim Dong-kwan made his first personal visit to a Hanwha Ocean event, and emphasized the group's commitment toward maritime defense segment.

"With Hanwha Ocean now integrated into the Hanwha Group, we will make substantial investments and implement long-term strategies for the company to be acknowledged both domestically and internationally," Kim said. "Our primary objective is not just profit maximization, but also to enhance national security and contribute to the rich history of Korea's defense industry on a global scale."

Stretching 89 meters (291 feet) in length and measuring 9.6 meters in width, the Jang Bogo-III Batch II of Hanwha Ocean surpasses all other 3,600-ton class diesel submarines in terms of operational capabilities.

The submarine showcases advancements in combat and sonar systems, with an increased number of VLS tubes, enabling stealth strikes with SLBMs, according to Hanwha Ocean. Additionally, the submarine's domestically developed lithium battery system, penetrator periscope, and auxiliary propellant contribute to improved target detection, maneuverability, operational secrecy and survivability.

Enthralled by its extraordinary attributes, navy officials posed an assortment of probing questions.

A delegation from Saudi Arabia listens to explanation at the Hanwha Ocean exhibition booth at Madex 2023 in Busan on Wednesday. [SEO JI-EUN]

Some foreign officials inquired about optional features such as the air independent propulsion system or VLS, considering their specific cost and operational requirements.

Madex, marking its 13th event this year, is the largest maritime defense exhibition in Korea. This year's event brought together some 140 major maritime defense companies from 12 countries, showcasing state-of-the-art weapons systems for vessels and various maritime defense systems, according to the organizer.

Hanwha Ocean is a leading force in the field of domestic defense shipbuilding, specializing in the construction of military vessels and submarines. Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems, fellow defense arms within the Hanwha Group, were also present at Madex 2023. Their joint presence emphasizes the conglomerate's commitment to collaborative efforts and the development of globally competitive battleships.

Along with the Submarine Zone featuring export submarine models, Hanwha Ocean operated the Surface Ship Zone and Manned-Unmanned Teaming Zone.

Hanwha Ocean highlighted four surface warships, including the Ulsan-class Batch III frigate, Korean destroyers KDDX and KDDX-S, and an arsenal ship. In addition to these, Hanwha Ocean exhibited an unmanned system command, accentuating its proficiency in naval systems.

In particular, the newly unveiled Ulsan-class Batch-III frigate stands out as a testament to the seamless collaboration with Hanwha Systems. The advanced warship integrates Hanwha Systems' state-of-the-art Integrated Sensor Mast and combat system, reducing underwater radiated noise to a minimum.

Hanwha Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan looks at a model of the Jang Bogo-III Batch-II at the Hanwha Ocean exhibition booth at Madex in Busan on Wednesday. [HANWHA OCEAN]

At the event, Hanwha Ocean and its major maritime defense rival HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) vied in their maritime defense competitiveness, with their exhibition booths face-to-face.

Both Hanwha Ocean and HD HHI showcased their submarines and surface vessels at the exhibition, while the primary competition between them lies in the field of surface vessels, a field where both companies demonstrate exceptional technological capabilities.

The competition for contracts between the two companies is expected to intensify as the Defense Acquisition Program Administration is poised to accept bidders for a project of building the last two Ulsan-class Batch III frigates later this month.

The Korean Navy is undertaking a three-phase project to replace the aging Ulsan-class frigates and Donghae/Pohang-class corvettes with modern frigates. This ambitious endeavor aims to construct six state-of-the-art frigates, each weighing 3,500 tons. Contracts for four ships have already been awarded, with HD HHI being responsible for the construction of the first vessel, while SK oceanplant has secured the contracts for the second to fourth ships.

Yet the decision by SK oceanplant to secure the contract for the Ulsan-class Batch frigate at a lower cost than the first ship has sparked controversy within the industry.

“We will fight for our lives to secure contracts,” Bae Sun-tae, head of the Naval Ship Business Marketing Division at Hanwha Ocean, said while speaking to the press.

BY SEO JI-EUN [seo.jieun1@joongang.co.kr]