Woosung Metal Company at DSEI 2025: Reliable Heavy Casting Partner for Defence Supply Chains

Introduction

DSEI 2025 in London once again confirmed its role as one of the world’s most important events for the defence and security industry. With exhibitors from across naval shipbuilding, land systems, and heavy engineering, the exhibition highlighted the growing demand for reliable, large-scale manufacturing partners capable of supporting complex defence supply chains.

For Woosung Metal Company, the exhibition underscored a key message: global defence companies require partners with proven heavy casting and machining expertise, certified quality standards, and the ability to deliver large components on time and on spec. With decades of experience and one-piece casting capacity up to 80 tons, Woosung is well positioned to meet these challenges.

Naval Technologies and Shipbuilding

The naval sector was strongly represented at DSEI 2025 with major shipbuilders and naval engineering firms including Naval Group, Navantia, Damen, TAIS Shipyards, ASMAR Shipyards, Wartsila Navy, and UK Docks. These companies are at the forefront of delivering next-generation frigates, submarines, support vessels, and propulsion systems.

Large castings and complex machined parts are critical to these programs. Marine propellers, gear rings, drive housings, turbine casings, and base frames require not only technical precision but also strict adherence to international certifications. Delays or quality failures in such parts can cascade through entire shipbuilding programs.

Woosung’s proven capabilities include:

• One-piece castings up to 80 tons for marine propellers and engine foundations.

• Advanced ductile iron (SGI), stainless steel, and heat-resistant alloys.

• In-house machining facilities for large-diameter flanges, valve bodies, and gear housings.

• Full QA/QC traceability with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, KS A 9001, and CE PED certifications.

For shipbuilders, working with Woosung offers the assurance of a stable, scalable production base in South Korea, a country with an established track record in shipbuilding and heavy industry.

Land Systems and Armored Vehicles

On the land systems side, leading names such as KNDS, Supacat, GM Defense, Armor Australia, and Drehtainershowcased innovations in armored vehicles, tactical support equipment, and survivability solutions. These programs depend heavily on robust supply chains for critical components—hulls, suspension parts, housings, and protection systems—all of which must withstand extreme conditions.

Woosung provides key advantages for this sector:

• Wear-resistant and manganese steels for high-impact applications such as track links, housings, and armor components.

• Heat-resistant alloys suitable for exhaust systems, engine housings, and heavy gear units.

• Precision casting combined with CNC machining to deliver complex geometries with repeatable accuracy.

• Engineering support including 3D modeling and finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure parts meet exact performance standards under load and pressure.

For defence OEMs, partnering with Woosung means access to a supplier who understands the critical balance between durability, performance, and delivery timelines.

Heavy Engineering and Industrial Partners

Defence programs also depend on a broader ecosystem of engineering and industrial suppliers such as Sheffield Forgemasters, Somers Forge, Westley Group, Expromet, and Finecast Foundry. These companies specialize in forgings, castings, and advanced manufacturing solutions for both civil and defence markets.

This segment is where Woosung’s scale and integrated approach provide a competitive edge. Unlike smaller niche suppliers, Woosung offers:

• A complete in-house process, from mold design and pattern production to casting, machining, and test assembly.

• Diverse materials portfolio, including ductile iron, stainless steel, and high-alloy steels.

• Comprehensive inspection control plan covering chemical analysis, ultrasonic testing, mechanical property validation, and surface quality checks at every production stage.

• Global logistics support, with exports to more than 30 countries, including the US, UK, and EU.

This capability allows Woosung to step in as a reliable extension of existing defence supply chains, offering both volume production and the flexibility to handle custom, one-off projects.

South Korea: A Strategic Manufacturing Base

Another key theme at DSEI 2025 was supply chain security. With geopolitical tensions and growing concerns over reliance on Chinese manufacturing, global defence contractors are seeking alternative production bases that combine scale, quality, and geopolitical stability.

South Korea represents exactly that. As one of the world’s leaders in heavy industry, shipbuilding, and advanced manufacturing, Korea provides the infrastructure and skilled workforce to support large-scale defence programs. For international partners, sourcing from South Korea ensures:

• Predictable lead times, with first products available within 20 weeks of contract finalization.

• Stable supply chains, backed by decades of export experience.

• Alignment with NATO and Western defence standards, ensuring compliance across key markets.

By operating from its South Korean facilities, Woosung offers defence contractors a secure and certified alternative to Chinese sourcing without compromising on cost efficiency or delivery schedules.

Conclusion

DSEI 2025 showcased the scale of demand facing global defence companies—from shipbuilding and armoured vehicles to heavy engineering and industrial support. Across all these sectors, the common denominator is the need for trusted partners in heavy casting, machining, and engineering design.

With more than 25 years of experience, one-piece casting capacity up to 80 tons, and a proven track record across marine, mining, tunnelling, and energy projects, Woosung Metal Company stands ready to support the defence industry’s evolving needs.

For companies seeking a stable, high-quality partner in their defence supply chain, Woosung offers the scale, expertise, and reliability to deliver on mission-critical projects—on time, on spec, and with full certification.