Babcock to open new facility in Busan

Babcock is set to open a new facility in Busan to support Jangbogo III, South Korea’s submarine programme, the company announced on 21 February.

The new facility is expected to open within the next few months. The company will also pursue other business within the wider defence maritime market in the region.

In 2017, Babcock received a seven year contract from Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering to continue the manufacture and delivery of Weapons Handling and Launch System (WHLS) equipment for the Jangbogo III submarine programme, third boat set.

The WHLS features an air turbine pump and programmable firing valve launch system.

Boat one is due for delivery to the Republic of Korea Navy at the end of 2020, and boat two at the end of 2022.

Jeff Lewis, managing director, defence systems technology, Babcock said: ‘Establishing Babcock Korea in Busan will help to support the Jangbogo III programme and will give us access to local skills to support our supply chain, manufacturing and contract activities.

‘The new site will also provide a platform to seek new opportunities in Korea, predominantly in the marine defence industry but also in other areas where Babcock has capability.’