HD Hyundai, Babcock to co-develop submarine for export

South Korea's HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. announced on Wednesday that it will collaborate with the UK-based renowned defense company Babcock International to jointly develop submarines for export.

According to the two companies, officials from both sides met at the HD Hyundai Global R&D Center in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, to discuss the developmental direction and collaborative approaches in the field of mission systems for the export-oriented submarine project.

Since last year, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has started the 3,000-ton or less export-oriented submarine. The company plans to feature Babcock's Weapons Handling and Launch Systems (WHLS).

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries aims to establish technological superiority in the future global submarine market by creating an advanced submarine platform through this collaboration.

The company pioneered the construction of the world's first air-independent propulsion (AIP)-equipped 214-class (1,800-ton class) submarine and possesses technology for the basic design and construction of 3,000-ton class submarines.

The company has also developed a standard model of export-oriented escort vessels and offshore patrol vessels (OPVs).

It has secured contracts for various types of ships, including escort vessels, frigates, and coastal patrol vessels, from the Philippines.

Write to Hyung-Kyu Kim at khk@hankyung.com