Korean gov't supports $6.6 bil. Poland naval upgrade bid with free submarine

Korea plans to transfer its first submarine, the 1,200-ton ROKS Jang Bogo, to Poland at no cost once it is retired later this year, military officials said Wednesday. The move is part of Seoul’s efforts to support domestic defense firms competing for Poland’s next-generation submarine program, known as the Orka Project. Officials in Seoul hope the free transfer of the Jang Bogo submarine could give Korean firms a competitive edge by demonstrating operational expertise and long-term commitment to Poland's naval upgrade program. The submarine, Korea’s first, was built at Germany’s HDW shipyard in 1991. The Korean Navy acquired the sub the following year and commissioned it in 1994, marking a milestone in the country's indigenous submarine capabilities. For more than three decades, the vessel has played a central role in Korea’s undersea defense operations. Set to retire at year’s end, it completed its final two-hour voyage from Jinhae Naval Base on Nov. 19. "The ROKS Jang Bogo is planned to be utilized effectively for defense exports and cooperation after its retirement," a NavWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Korea Times