Hanwha Ocean, WB Electronics Sign MOU for Orka Submarine Program Collaboration at MSPO 2024

Hanwha Ocean has announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Poland’s WB Electronics to collaborate on the Polish Navy’s Orka submarine program.

The agreement was formalized at the MSPO 2024 defense exhibition, held in Targi Kielce, Poland, from September 3 to 6.

The primary goal of the agreement is to establish a framework for cooperation in the Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) of the submarines that will be acquired under the Orka program. The companies will explore areas of mutual interest related to submarine MRO and aim to build on this agreement for further cooperation, potentially involving their industrial partners in technology transfer efforts.

Key participants at the signing ceremony included representatives from Hanwha Ocean and WB Electronics, as well as from KOLON SPACEWORKS and KTE, two of Hanwha Ocean’s partner companies involved in the KSS-III Batch II submarine for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy. These companies expressed interest in joining the Orka program’s MRO efforts.

The proposal also encompassed broader technology transfer initiatives beyond shipbuilding. KOLON SPACEWORKS additionally briefed attendees on its plans to transfer composite material technology in partnership with WBCK, a WB Electronics affiliate.

Hanwha Ocean has achieved over 80% domestic production during the development of the KSS-III Batch II submarine for the ROK Navy.