Kolon Spaceworks, the advanced-composites arm of the Kolon Group, has formed a technology alliance with Hanwha Ocean and Canada-based Spartec to compete for Canada’s next-generation submarine program (CPSP). The company said it will use the pact to deepen global partnerships across defense and aerospace and to lead the market for advanced-materials solutions.
Kolon Spaceworks announced on April 29 that it signed a teaming agreement (TA) with Hanwha Ocean and local composites firm Spartec at the CPSP Partners Day in Montreal on April 28. The agreement is aimed at improving the partners’ competitiveness in the CPSP program.
The deal is significant because it secures a partner with in-country manufacturing capability, strengthening the program’s core localization requirements.
Kolon Spaceworks brings proprietary expertise in critical submarine components, including non-pressure-hull structures, sonar acoustic windows and integrated sensor masts.
The company has built a proven record through participation in South Korea’s Chang Bogo-class (KSS-I) and KSS-III (Changbogo-III) Batch I and II programs, as well as Indonesia’s submarine project.
Spartec, the collaboration partner, is a 40-year-old specialist firm based in Erin, Ontario, with manufacturing capabilities for advanced composite parts used in defense and industrial applications.
Kolon Spaceworks plans to leverage its strategic cooperation with Spartec to expand its technology footprint in the North American market.
After signing an agreement with Hanwha Ocean in February to pursue submarine projects in Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, Kolon Spaceworks said the move into North America further strengthens its global defense partnerships.
Drawing on its composite-materials expertise in defense, Kolon Spaceworks also supplies key components for the civilian Hanbit series of space launch vehicles and is diversifying into aerospace.
“Through this agreement, we will strengthen our collaboration network with Canadian partners and make a tangible contribution to enhancing competitiveness across the defense industry,” Kolon Spaceworks CEO An Sang-hyun said. “We intend to secure global recognition for our proven composite-material technologies and rapidly expand cooperation into aviation and aerospace.”
