South Korean shipbuilding heavyweight Hanwha Ocean has concluded a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to construct the first two ships of the Ulsan-class Batch-IV frigates for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).
This project is part of the final phase in the replacement of the Ulsan-class frigates that have served the Republic of Korea Navy since the 1980s. The Ulsan-class Batch-IV frigates, six of which are to be built in total, are set to play a critical role in the future of the South Korean Navy.
According to Hanwha Ocean, the ships will retain the same displacement and external appearance as the previous Batch-III ships (the fifth and sixth ships). However, the new frigates will also incorporate significant technological upgrades, including smart systems that set them apart from their predecessors.
Key advancements include a next-generation combat system, four types of enhanced weapons, and the integration of new technologies such as the close-in weapon system (CIWS) and electronic warfare equipment. In addition, the ships, dubbed ‘smart frigates’, will feature designs that minimize crew size while optimizing operational and living conditions.
Furthermore, cybersecurity systems will be added to defend against digital threats, and the vessels will be equipped to respond to advanced drone attacks.
The construction is said to be carried out until December 2030. The contract is worth KRW 839.1 billion ($578.60 million).
“While maintaining the technological continuity of the 5th and 6th Ulsan-class Batch-III ships, we will create a frigate that has never been seen before based on the most advanced smart ship solution,” Yong-Jun Cho, Head of the Domestic Sales Team for Special Purpose Ships at Hanwha Ocean, said.
To remind, in 2023, Hanwha Ocean signed a contract to build two next-generation Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates for the Republic of Korea Navy. The fifth ship is scheduled to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy in December 2027, and the sixth frigate is slated for delivery to the Republic of Korea Navy around June 2028.
In separate news, Hanwha Ocean, together with Hanwha Systems, has completed the acquisition of Philly Shipyard, a U.S. shipbuilder covering commercial and government projects.
In September 2024, Hanwha received Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) approval.
Now, with all the appropriate approvals secured and the financial transaction completed, the newly named Hanwha Philly Shipyard officially began Hanwha’s shipbuilding operations in the U.S.
With this purchase, Hanwha further expands into the U.S. market for commercial shipbuilding and defense growth.
“We aim to build on Philly Shipyard’s achievements, expand into naval vessel production and increase local employment opportunities. With Hanwha’s global scale, deep technology expertise, and more than 50 years of shipbuilding experience we look forward to driving remarkable growth, and we can’t wait to embark on this new journey as Hanwha Philly Shipyard,” said David Kim, Hanwha Philly Shipyard’s new CEO.
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