Beomhan Fuel Cell Signs 7 Billion Won Contract to Supply Spare Fuel Cell Modules for Submarines

Entry into the Submarine Fuel Cell Spare Parts Market
Aiming for 100% Localization

Beomhan Fuel Cell has signed a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to supply spare fuel cell modules for submarines.

Beomhan Fuel Cell (CEO Kim Hyungseok) announced on the 20th that it has signed a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to supply spare fuel cell modules for submarines.

The contract value is 7,083 million won, accounting for 14.8% of the company's most recent annual sales.

Dosan Ahn Changho Ship.
Photo by Beomhan Fuel Cell.

This contract covers the supply of spare fuel cell modules for the three Jangbogo-III Batch-I class submarines (Dosan An Changho, Ahn Mu, and Shin Chaeho).

Beomhan Fuel Cell plans to deliver one fuel cell module by July 21, 2028, as the initial installment.

Once these spare parts are secured, the Navy will be able to replace and service modules in the event of a malfunction, which is expected to enhance the operational reliability and maintenance efficiency of the submarines.

Beomhan Fuel Cell explained that the addition of this spare parts supply to its submarine fuel cell business—which had previously focused on initial equipment and maintenance—will provide a more stable revenue base.

The company is also working to localize core components such as MEA (membrane electrode assembly) and electrolyte membranes through its subsidiary Beomhan Materials.

Based on this, the company aims to achieve 100% localization of submarine fuel cell modules, secure technological independence, and stabilize the parts supply chain.

Since 2018, Beomhan Fuel Cell has been the exclusive supplier of fuel cell modules for next-generation Jangbogo-III class submarines.

Recently, the company has also completed the standardization and listing process for fuel cell modules intended for Jangbogo-II (KSS-II) class submarines in accordance with defense regulations.

As a result, the localization of fuel cell modules for Jangbogo-II class submarines—which had previously relied on imports—has become possible.

Domestic fuel cell modules are expected to be sequentially applied to all nine Jangbogo-II class submarines, including Son Wonil.

This spare parts supply contract is expected to allow Beomhan Fuel Cell to expand its business domain from supplying new vessels to include maintenance and spare parts, thereby strengthening the stable revenue base of its defense fuel cell business.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.