(Busan, 1st) — During the 2025 APEC Summit in Busan, South Korea, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos held high-level talks with South Korean defense giant Hanwha Ocean, taking a significant step towards realizing the Philippines’ first submarine program.
The talks focused on Hanwha Ocean’s comprehensive cooperation proposal, which covers plans to assist the Philippine Navy in acquiring and operating submarines. This forms a key part of Marcos’ “Self-Reliant Defense Posture” (SRDP), aimed at strengthening national defense in response to the increasingly tense situation in the West Philippine Sea.
According to the proposal, Hanwha Ocean will assist the Philippines in constructing a dedicated submarine base, establishing a local maintenance and support center, and providing submarine personnel training—including the use of advanced simulators and integrated system training for captains and operators.
The company also proposed the possible deployment of the KSS-III PN type submarine, equipped with advanced sonar, combat systems, and lithium battery technology, which can extend underwater endurance and reduce noise levels.
If the agreement is ultimately implemented, it would mark an important milestone in the history of the Philippine Navy, representing the nation’s first independent submarine capability.
Hanwha Ocean’s proposal also aligns with the deepening defense partnership between South Korea and the Philippines. Over the past decade, South Korea has delivered FA-50 fighter jets and various naval equipment to the Philippines.
This round of talks is viewed as a crucial step for the Philippines in its pursuit of underwater combat capabilities, and holds far-reaching significance for strengthening its defense system and addressing maritime security challenges.