Hanwha Ocean Successfully Localizes Torpedo Launch System for 10-Ton Class Submarines

Hanwha Ocean has successfully localized the development of the horizontal launching system, one of the key weapons launch systems for submarines. According to a report on November 1, 2026, Hanwha Ocean finalized the completion of the "Water Ram method for 10-ton class submarine weapons launch system" development project led by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) ¹.

This achievement is significant in that it lays the foundation for replacing key equipment previously reliant on imports with domestic technology. Hanwha Ocean plans to apply this technology not only to future submarines under construction but also to performance upgrade programs for aging vessels ¹.

The 'Horizontal Launching System' Directly Linked to Submarine Survivability

Submarine weapons launching methods are generally divided into vertical launching systems, which fire missiles and other weapons upward, and horizontal launching systems, which launch torpedoes. Among these, the horizontal launching system is an essential element for a submarine’s close-range defense, core strike capabilities, and rapid evasion maneuvers after launch ¹. This is because torpedoes serve not only as a submarine’s primary offensive weapon but also act as a shield to protect itself from enemy threats.

In particular, the horizontal launching device (Water Ram) plays a critical role in counteracting the massive recoil and shock generated when torpedoes are ejected from the launch tubes ¹. By reducing the stress placed on the hull during launch and protecting the launch tubes themselves, it is a crucial component that determines a submarine’s survivability and combat sustainability.

Achieving Technological Independence by Reducing Dependence on Foreign Products

While South Korea’s submarine technology has excelled in hull design and construction capabilities, some key equipment has remained highly dependent on foreign sources. The 'Water Ram' method, successfully developed by Hanwha Ocean this time, is expected to contribute to reducing this dependence on foreign technology and securing technological sovereignty.

This development goes beyond simply replacing existing components; it holds significant technical meaning as it enables complete domestic understanding and control of the submarine’s core launching system ¹. This serves as a foundation for strengthening competitiveness in the global submarine market beyond mere import substitution.

The head of Hanwha Ocean’s Special Ship Sales Division stated regarding this achievement, "Having secured core technologies for domestic submarines through this successful development, we will install domestically produced weapons launch systems in future submarine exports to enhance export competitiveness" ¹.

Application to New Construction and Performance Upgrades of Aging Vessels

Based on this localization success, Hanwha Ocean plans to apply domestic equipment to submarines to be built in the future ¹. Additionally, the company has set a policy to expand the application of this Water Ram technology to performance upgrade programs for aging submarines already in operation ¹.

Hanwha Ocean possesses experience in constructing submarines of all types in the Changbogo-I, II, and III classes. Through this localization of the horizontal launching system, the company has enhanced its technical reliability in both new vessel construction and the maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) market ¹. This is also expected to improve time and cost efficiency in parts supply and maintenance processes ¹.

Ultimately, this localization of the horizontal launching system is assessed as a result proving Hanwha Ocean’s capability to control core weapons handling systems with its own technology, extending beyond submarine hull design and construction.