President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. met with top executives of Hanwha Ocean, South Korea’s shipbuilding giant, on Saturday, November 1, to discuss plans for the Philippine Navy’s submarine program—a key component of the country’s ongoing military modernization efforts.
According to the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), Hanwha Ocean expressed its commitment to support the construction of a submarine base and the establishment of a local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center in the Philippines. The South Korean company also pledged to assist in training naval operators, maintainers, and commanders through advanced simulators and modern systems.
“Executives of the Hanwha Ocean informed the President of their plans for the deployment of KSS-III PN submarines equipped with modern sonar and combat systems and lithium-ion batteries for longer underwater endurance,” Malacañang said in a statement.
The firm also presented its proposed technology transfer and industrial partnerships with local companies to help enhance the Philippines’ self-reliant defense posture.
Hanwha Ocean’s KSS-III submarines, regarded as among the most advanced non-nuclear attack submarines in Asia, are equipped with cutting-edge sonar, combat systems, and lithium-ion batteries, which allow for extended underwater operations and reduced maintenance requirements.
Malacañang said the partnership forms part of the Marcos administration’s goal to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through long-term defense investments and strategic alliances.