Hanwha Ocean Offered New Submarine to Philippine Navy
The company replaced its previous proposal with the advanced Jangbogo-III PN submarine model.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Military
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Hanwha Ocean has updated its submarine proposal for the Philippine Navy, introducing the Jangbogo-III PN variant to meet the nation's specific requirements. The offer includes a comprehensive package featuring crew training, base facilities, and ongoing logistics support.
Why it matters
This shift in proposal better aligns the South Korean firm's offering with the evolving needs of the Philippine Navy. The bid follows Hanwha Group's 2023 acquisition of the shipyard responsible for the technology, consolidating their defense capabilities.
The Jangbogo-III PN submarine features a length of 77 meters, a width of 9.7 meters, and a surface displacement of 2,800 tons. The design is powered by lithium-ion battery technology.
The players
Hanwha Ocean
This major South Korean shipbuilding and defense firm is a subsidiary of the Hanwha Group.
Philippine Navy
This maritime branch of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is currently seeking to modernize its undersea fleet.
Hanwha Systems
This defense technology company provides advanced combat management systems used by various naval forces.
The details
Hanwha Ocean submitted the updated specifications to Janes, marking a strategic move to provide the Philippine Navy with a more capable vessel derived from the KSS-III class. The proposal builds on the company's existing relationship with the Philippine military, which already utilizes Hanwha Systems' combat management technology on its frigates.
Timeline
Hanwha Group completed the acquisition of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering in 2023.
The updated submarine proposal package was confirmed to include training and logistics support in 2024.
Hanwha Ocean formally upgraded its submarine offer for the Philippine Navy on October 2, 2026.
Political Context
The proposal must navigate significant international competition from rival shipbuilders in France, Spain, and Italy. Skeptics often argue that high-end submarine acquisitions divert essential funding from other pressing coastal patrol and territorial defense needs.
The selection of a new submarine will directly influence long-term national defense spending and the allocation of the Philippine military budget. Taxpayers can expect continued oversight as the government weighs the costs of operating such advanced maritime hardware.
The takeaway
The move demonstrates South Korea's aggressive expansion into the Southeast Asian naval defense market. Analysts suggest that the shift toward lithium-ion technology in this class of submarine signals a broader industry standard for modern, non-nuclear underwater vessels.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest defense developments in the Military section.
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