Hanwha Ocean builds submarine torpedo launcher at home after a decade of work
South Korea can now build a key part of its submarines at home. Shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean said on Sunday, 1 November, that it has developed a “Water Ram” horizontal launch system entirely with domestic technology, after a decade of work with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). The system replaces a core weapons component that South Korea previously had to import in full.
A horizontal launch system fires torpedoes and other guided weapons out of a submarine and into the sea. The Water Ram method uses compressed water pressure to push the weapon out of its tube. Hanwha Ocean said it also built technology that precisely controls the force of the launch, so that weapons leave the submarine at a steady, set speed.
The design is built to survive the crushing water pressure of the deep sea and the shock of a launch, and it includes several safety mechanisms to reduce the risk of a malfunction. Hanwha Ocean said its version is also simpler in structure than the imported equipment it replaces, which should make it easier for the navy to operate and maintain.
The company said the change will cut costs and shorten delivery times. It has also gained the ability to analyse launch forces and design launch systems for different types of submarines, which should speed up future equipment development.
Why it matters
Submarines are one of South Korea’s biggest defence exports, and until now one of their most important parts came from abroad. Building the launch system at home removes a foreign dependency, lowers costs, and gives Hanwha Ocean more freedom to adapt its submarines for different buyers. The company said the achievement strengthens its position for next-generation submarine programmes and overseas sales.
What happens next
Hanwha Ocean said it will keep improving its core submarine equipment and the technologies needed for next-generation submarines. “Based on the technology and experience accumulated through this development, we plan to raise the level of completion of core submarine equipment and continuously advance the technologies needed for next-generation submarines, contributing to strengthening the Republic of Korea Navy,” said Kim Geon-ho, executive director and head of Hanwha Ocean’s Defense Technology Research Center.
This article is for general information and education only. It is not legal or financial advice.
Sources
- https://www.ajupress.com/view/20261101112070388 (Aju Press, 1 November 2026)
- https://en.sedaily.com/finance/2026/11/01/hanwha-ocean-localizes-submarine-horizontal-launch-system (Seoul Economic Daily, 1 November 2026)
