Bomhan Fuel Cell secures contract for submarine fuel cell spares

Bomhan Fuel Cell, a company specializing in hydrogen fuel cells, has secured a significant contract with South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the supply of spare parts for submarine fuel cell modules. This agreement is a key step in establishing a robust domestic supply chain for critical submarine components.

The contract, valued at approximately 7.08 billion won (about 14.8% of Bomhan Fuel Cell's recent annual revenue), is specifically for spare modules intended for the Jangbogo-III Batch-I submarines. These submarines, including the Dosan Ahn Changho, Ahn Mu, and Shin Chaeho, are equipped with Bomhan's fuel cell modules as their core power source. The company is scheduled to deliver the first spare module by July 2028.

Having a supply of spare modules is essential for submarines. It allows for the rotation and maintenance of operational equipment, thereby reducing downtime and enhancing the stability of combat operations. Bomhan Fuel Cell has been the exclusive supplier of fuel cell modules for the Jangbogo-III class submarines since 2018.

In addition to its work on the latest submarine class, Bomhan Fuel Cell has also completed the standardization and cataloging procedures for fuel cell modules for the Jangbogo-II (KSS-II) class submarines. This development paves the way for replacing previously imported fuel cell equipment with domestically produced alternatives. The South Korean Navy operates nine Jangbogo-II class submarines, and plans are in place to gradually replace their imported fuel cell modules with Bomhan's products as part of future maintenance schedules.