South Korean shipbuilder Hanwa Ocean today inked Memorandums of Understandings (MoU) with French shipbuilder Naval Group and European missile manufacturer MBDA during the Defense & Security 2025 held in Bangkok, Thailand.
As part of the MOUs, Naval Group would provide its SETIS Combat Management System and MBDA would provide a range of naval missile systems for Hanwha Ocean’s OCEAN-40F design which is being pitched by the Korean shipbuilder to the Royal Thai Navy’s 2nd phase frigate acquisition program which is expected in 2026.
Hanwha Ocean, during the same event, also signed a MOU with British defense company Cohort. This MOU includes proven naval defence capabilities such as sonar systems, torpedo launcher systems, surveillance, targeting and fire-control systems as well as communications management.
It is unusual for Naval Group to provide its SETIS CMS to vessels designed or produced by other shipbuilder, but there is a precedent: The Royal Norwegian Navy’s Skjold-class corvettes were built by Kvaerner/Umoe Mandal incorporating the SENIT 2000 combat management system by Naval Group.
Naval News understands that SETIS is being offered as part of the Hanwha Ocean frigate bid because of the weapons package: The OCEAN-40F proposed to the Royal Thai Navy features VL Mica surface to air missiles, Simbad RC VSHORAD systems and Exocet MM40 Block 3c anti-ship missiles. These systems are not integrated with Hanwha Systems’ own CMS but they are with SETIS.
In a press release, Hanwha Ocean shared the following about its OCEAN-40F frigate:
Hanwha Ocean’s 4,000-ton class frigate will be the centerpiece of its exhibition, showcased under the theme “Game Changer at Sea – Unmatched Lethality, Seamless Combat Readiness.”
This model, proposed for the Royal Thai Navy’s second frigate program, builds upon the legacy of the 2018 delivery. The upgraded design expands from 3,750 tons to 4,000 tons, providing enhanced blue-water operational capability beyond coastal defense.
The frigate features advanced weapon and sensor systems, next-generation stealth design, and integration of unmanned platforms to support multi-domain missions.
Armed with advanced missile systems, naval guns, and torpedoes, the frigate delivers enhanced lethality through cutting-edge sensors that improve surveillance, targeting, and threat detection.
Built on a legacy of experience and trust established with the Royal Thai Navy over decades, the frigate continues Hanwha Ocean’s proven partnership and reaffirms its long-term commitment to future collaboration.
In addition to Hanwha Ocean, competitors for the Royal Thai Navy’s 2nd phase frigate acquisition program include Navantia of Spain, HD HHI of South Korea and STM or TAIS of Turkey.
