STX Offshore & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd
based on its experience of having built more than 700 ships in the past 40 years, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding ranks number one among the worldÕs major shipyards and has significantly contributed to making South Korea the leader in the worldÕs shipbuilding industry. The construction of the Dalian Shipyard in China will be added to its existing facilities in Jinhae and busan. STX took a leap forward to become the worldÕs largest shipbuilding company through its acquisition of STX europe (formerly aker yards). STX Offshore & Shipbuilding acquired authorisation to become a member of the national defence industry in September 2007. STX Offshore & Shipbuilding plans to expand its territory in the national defence industry by constructing various kinds of ships, such as battleships, offshore patrol vessels and special-purpose ships. The noteworthy examples are guided missile patrol boat killer1, OPV1, training ship1, etc.
STX Engine Co. Ltd
STX engineÕs military diesel engine was designed with focus on small size, lightness and high power output. Through technology cooperation with MTU of Germany, STX engine is producing engines for tanks, destroyers and coast guard ships.
STX engine possesses essential proprietary technologies related to underwater acoustic, radar, tactical communication and battle system.
Sebang Hi-Tech
Sebang Hi-Tech Co. Ltd, which was established in 1952, is the sole defence manufacturer in South Korea specialising in the provision of propulsion energy sources for underwater military vehicles and weapon systems. Some examples are the 209 class submarine battery K45PS13K and K30PS15. ba738 battery is used for light-weight torpedoes.
DACC CO. LTD
The companyÕs area of expertise is composite launching tube to contain a guided anti-ship missile.
Indian Perspective
It has been reported that India has decided to award a $1.2 billion contract to Kangnam Corporation for eight mine-countermeasure (MCM) vessels. The tender was first issued in 2008 but has taken five years to fructify. According to the deal, the first two minesweepers will be constructed at Pusan, South Korea, and the remaining six will be built at the Goa Shipyard through transfer of technology. The Indian Navy wanted to modernise its MCM fleet for more than a decade as it currently operates 12 ageing Pondicherry and Karwa-class minesweepers. Their projected requirement is for 24 MCM ships.
Indian shipbuilding also has a lot to emulate from South Korea for developing their indigenous shipbuilding industry and becoming a world leader in a very short time.