South Korea pitches submarines, fighter jets in ‘K-defense’ bid
(Last of two parts)
BUSAN—South Korea is pitching two types of diesel-electric submarines and its new multirole fighter to modernize the Philippine military amid its continuing maritime tensions with China.
Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean is actively proposing its KSS-III PN and Ocean 1400 submarines to the Philippine Navy, while Korea Aerospace Industries is offering its KF-21 Boramae to join the long-running competition in the multirole fighter acquisition project for the Philippine Air Force (PAF).
Both these top Korean defense firms showcased their offerings at this year’s International Maritime Defense Exhibition (Madex) in this city held from May 28 to 31—its largest event so far since it started in 1999.
Seoul has gained attention for its defense exports and ability to deliver quickly—a concept now dubbed as “K-defense”—as it aims to become the world’s fourth top arms seller by 2027, after the United States, France and Russia.
PH requirements
According to Hyunrok Park, general manager of the naval and special ship global marketing of Hanwha Ocean, the company is currently pitching the 2,800-ton KSS-III PN and the 2,800-ton Ocean 1400 PN to the Philippine Navy.
Both are tailored to meet the country’s specific requirements based on operational needs, budget, and future scalability, he said.
The KSS-III PN, Park said, is equipped with advanced sonar systems and lithium-ion batteries, enabling superior underwater detection and extended submerged operations.
The Ocean 1400 PN is less costly and offers “an economical and efficient solution for reliable undersea capabilities,” he said.
Both offers provide a “comprehensive support package,” including a training center with simulators, maintenance skills and know-hows, support for base development, and technology transfer.
“This integrated approach is not simply about short-term acquisition. It is a strategic partnership aimed at enabling the Philippine Navy to build a self-reliant and future-ready naval force,” Park said.
He said members of the Philippine Navy are already participating in the Korean Navy’s annual international submarine training program to learn more on operations.
‘Deterrence’
Keun Sik Moon, a professor at Hanyang University and a former navy submarine captain, told the Inquirer that the Philippines should now start to acquire submarines “to avoid capability gaps in the 2030s” as the process takes six to 10 years.
Submarines will provide “enhanced surveillance and deterrence against China in the South China Sea,” he said. “Submarines are the pinnacle of asymmetric deterrence. A single operational submarine forces adversaries to assume its presence, reducing their tactical freedom and delivering great effect relative to cost.”
Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., in March, made renewed calls for the military’s “dream” to acquire at least two submarines.
The Philippines is one of the few remaining countries in the region without submarine capability. France, Spain and a new German-Italian tandem have also presented their respective submarine offers.
Meanwhile, the Korea Aerospace Industries is offering its KF-21 Boramae for the PAF’s multirole fighter acquisition project. Other contenders are Lockheed Martin’s F-16 from the United States and Saab’s Jas 39 Gripen from Sweden.
The KF-21, dubbed as a 4.5 generation fighter jet, is intended as a replacement for the old F-16s in the Korean Air Force, said Dong Hak Shin, vice president of the company’s international business development.
As users of FA-50 light fighters, the PAF will have a similar fleet of fighter aircraft with its Korean counterpart. The upcoming KF-21 could pave the way for greater cooperation between both countries, Shin said.
