Can Korean shipbuilders end disappointing streak with bid for Canadian subs?

Uncertainty is growing over Korea’s ambition to become a powerhouse in naval vessel exports, as the nation’s shipbuilders have repeatedly failed to win significant warship contracts from Western nations. Amid heightened entry barriers to NATO countries and other key U.S. allies, Korean shipbuilders are now pinning their hopes on Canada’s upcoming order for 12 submarines worth 60 billion Canadian dollars ($43 billion), expected next year. On Wednesday (local time), Poland announced that Sweden’s Saab was selected for the Orka Project to supply three new 3,000-ton submarines aimed at strengthening its defenses in the Baltic Sea. The project is valued at up to 20 billion Polish zloty, including maintenance, repair and overhaul work. Despite Seoul’s offer to transfer the 1,200-ton ROKS Jang Bogo submarine to Warsaw free of charge once it is decommissioned later this year, Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries were eliminated from the competition. “We respect Poland’s decision,” the presidential office said. “We will continue to strengthen cooperation with Poland in tWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times