Hanwha Ocean Press Release translated by Naval News
Hanwha Ocean announced on the 18th that it has signed a major contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the “Ulsan-class Frigate (FFX) Batch-IV Ship Construction Project,” valued at 839.1 billion KRW (578.69 million USD), with a completion target of December 2030.
FFX Batch-IV marks the final phase of a four-stage project to replace the Ulsan-class frigates, which have been in service since the 1980s. A total of six Batch-IV ships will be built, representing a significant step forward in the evolution of the Republic of Korea Navy’s frigates. Although the Batch-IV ships will retain the displacement and exterior design of their Batch-III predecessors, they are essentially a “full change” model, featuring state-of-the-art upgrades that distinguish them as “smart frigates.”
The Batch-IV frigates will feature upgraded systems, including four advanced weapon systems and newly developed technologies, such as the Close-In Weapon System (CIWS-II) and Electronic Warfare Equipment-II, seamlessly incorporated into the combat system. Designed for future operational environments with potential manpower limitations, these ships will incorporate manpower-saving designs while enhancing crew operational efficiency and living conditions. Additionally, they will feature cybersecurity monitoring systems to counteract cyber threats and advanced capabilities to defend against drone threats.
Following the delivery of the 5th and 6th vessels of Batch-III, Hanwha Ocean seeks to strengthen the Republic of Korea Navy’s operational capabilities and further advance national defense through the successful delivery of the 1st and 2nd vessels of Batch-IV. Hanwha Ocean is the only company with construction experience across the entire lineup of advanced domestic destroyers under the KDX-I, II, and III programs, which introduced new combat technologies and concepts since 2000. As such, it holds the distinction of having delivered the most destroyers currently operated by the Republic of Korea Navy.
By building on the technical continuity of the 5th and 6th vessels of Batch-III and incorporating state-of-the-art smart ship solutions, we are committed to creating frigates that set a new standard unlike anything seen before.
Yong–Jun Cho, Head of the Domestic Sales Team for Special Purpose Ships at Hanwha Ocean
Author’s Note
The FFX Batch-IV will retain the exterior design and general specifications of the recently delivered FFG-III Chungnam-class ships to the ROK Navy. However, it will feature enhanced combat efficiency compared to the Batch-III through the integration of four advanced weapons systems: the C-Star anti-ship missile, the Red Shark K-ASROC, the K-SAAM short-range surface-to-air missile, and the Sea Dragon Cruise Missile. Additionally, the Batch-IV will incorporate an indigenous Engineering Control System (ECS), distinguishing it from the Batch-III.
Last but not least, the Electronic Warfare Equipment-II, currently being developed by LIG Nex1 and scheduled for completion by 2029, is expected to replace the SLQ-200K Sonata, which is currently used on the majority of the ROK Navy’s surface combat ships. This new system is anticipated to significantly enhance the vessels’ survivability against the latest anti-ship missiles and drones through advanced jamming capabilities, ensuring the FFX Batch-IV is well-prepared for future naval battlespaces.
It was reported in the local media that Hanwha Ocean was the sole bidder for the Batch-IV program, suggesting that the company is likely to continue leveraging its expertise in constructing “smart frigates.”
