Free sub transfer could boost Korea’s chances of winning Poland naval upgrade project

The ROKS Jang Bogo is moored at Jinhae naval port in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Nov. 18, a day before the 1,200-ton submarine embarked on a farewell cruise. Courtesy of the Korean Navy

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 sources 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 Navy official said, declining to provide further details.

The vessel, the first submarine ever retired by Korea, would also be the first to be transferred to another country.

Military officials note that while Korea has previously provided decommissioned surface ships to foreign navies, giving a submarine carries particular significance since the vessels are usually more technologically sophisticated. Several countries in Southeast Asia and South America have reportedly expressed interest in purchasing the ROKS Jang Bogo after its retirement.

Navy officials take part in a farewell cruise of the ROKS Jang Bogo in waters off Jinhae Naval Port in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Nov. 19. Courtesy of the Korean Navy

While the decision to transfer it to Poland appears to have been finalized within the Korean military, it is unclear whether there has been formal coordination with Warsaw. The actual transfer will require legal and administrative approvals from the Korean Ministry of National Defense.

These developments are expected to give Korean companies an edge in bidding for the Orka Project, which aims to acquire three new 3,000-ton submarines to bolster Poland’s maritime security amid rising regional tensions.

The program is valued at roughly 3.4 trillion won ($2.8 billion), with total costs including maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) potentially reaching 8 trillion won.

Korean shipmaker Hanwha Ocean has entered the bidding, offering Poland a customized package based on the KSS-III submarine. The proposal includes submarine leasing and transfers, collaboration with local shipyards and the establishment of MRO centers, as well as large-scale investments.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has also entered a bid, proposing its domestically developed 2,300-ton and 3,000-ton submarines.

These Korean firms face competition from Germany’s TKMS Group, Italy’s Fincantieri and Sweden’s Saab.

The Korean military’s decision to transfer the submarine comes on the heels of assessments indicating that European competitors may have an advantage due to the European Union’s so-called "Buy European" initiative, which urges member states to prioritize weapons produced within the bloc.

Poland has become a major purchaser of Korean arms after signing record-breaking package deals for K2 tanks, K9 howitzers and FA-50 aircraft in 2022, agreements that laid the groundwork for long-term defense cooperation.

The Polish Embassy in Seoul was not immediately available for comment regarding the transfer of the submarine.