Hanwha Ocean localizes key equipment for submarine sonar detection

Hanwha Ocean’s Jang Bogo-III Batch-II model is displayed at the International Maritime Defense Exhibition (MADEX) held at BEXCO in Busan on June 7. [Photo provided by Hanwha Ocean]

South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean Co. said on Wednesday that it has successfully localized key acoustic equipment for submarines, which enhances operational performance and survivability.

The equipment includes the echo sounder, underwater locator beacon, and launchable underwater environmental measuring system, all of which play crucial roles in submarine sonar detection.

The echo sounder emits sound waves to measure water depth and submarine submersion depth, while the underwater locator beacon is used in distress situations to emit sound waves and indicate the location.

The launchable underwater environmental measuring system continuously analyzes the underwater environment, such as water temperature and currents, to improve the accuracy of the sonar system affected by these factors during operations.

Previously, such equipment were imported from foreign monopoly suppliers.

Hanwha Ocean expects its localization to reduce costs by about 50 percent. While imported equipment requires the submarine to be lifted onto land for repairs in case of errors, the domestically produced equipment can be serviced underwater, making it more efficient, according to Hanwha Ocean.

The equipment can be installed not only on existing submarines but also on future domestically developed and export-oriented submarines, offering significant economic benefits, Hanwha Ocean added.

With the latest development, the localization rate of the Batch-II submarines, including the Jang Bogo-class III, is expected to exceed 80 percent.

Hanwha Ocean also achieved domestic production of vibration and noise reduction systems for submarines, which further enhances operational performance.

“The domestic production of submarine acoustic equipment will significantly contribute to enhancing maritime defense capabilities,” said a company official.