SOUTH Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean has upgraded its proposal to build submarines for the Philippine Navy.
Competing with European shipbuilders for the deal, Hanwha offered to build the Jangbogo-III PN, a variant of the submarine developed for the Republic of Korea Navy. The submarine model in Hanwha's previous proposal is the Ocean 1400, formerly known as the DSME 1400.
The upgraded model is about 77 meters long, 9.7 meters wide, and has a surface displacement of about 2,800 tons, according to specifications provided by Hanwha to defense publication Janes.
The design uses lithium-ion batteries. Hanwha highlighted the merits of the battery system in its proposal.
Hanwha said it would include training, base facilities, and logistics support as part of the deal.
Hanwha has an existing project with the Philippine Navy through Hanwha Systems, which supplied the Naval Shield integrated combat management system for the Jose Rizal-class frigates.
Other companies bidding for the project include France's Naval Group, which offers the Scorpene; Spain's Navantia, with the S-80 Plus; and Italy's Fincantieri.
