Hanwha Ocean starts construction of 2 new Ulsan class Batch III frigates.

According to information published by Hanwha Ocean on October 11, 2023, South Korea's Hanwha Ocean has embarked on the construction of the 5th and 6th ships of the Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates. This development marks a pivotal phase.
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Model of the Ulsan class Batch III frigate. (Picture source: Hanwha Ocean)

Hanwha Ocean, led by Vice Chairman Kwon Hyuk-woong, signed a major contract on the 10th with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the construction of these ships. The contract is valued at 791.73 billion won.

These ships are part of the final phase of the Ulsan-class Batch-III project, aimed at replacing the aging fleet of patrol and escort ships of the Republic of Korea Navy. Hanwha Ocean, selected as the preferred negotiator for this project in July, has progressed through technical negotiations to this definitive contract stage. The construction schedule anticipates delivery of the 5th ship by December 2027 and the 6th by June 2028.

The significance of Hanwha Ocean's contract extends beyond the construction of these last two ships of the Ulsan-class Batch-III. The company is set to play a leading role in the exploratory development of future frigate projects.

Moreover, Hanwha Ocean plans to build these ships as advanced successors to the lead ship, enhancing their capabilities. The company is also gearing up for the competitive bid for the detailed design and lead ship construction of the next-generation Korean Destroyer (KDDX), expected next year.

Hanwha Ocean has been a key contributor to the enhancement of South Korea's naval power and independent defense capabilities. It is the only company that has constructed the entire lineup of the advanced KDX-I, II, III destroyers, introduced since 2000, incorporating new combat concepts.

The company also demonstrated its expertise in advanced surface vessels, including Aegis-equipped ships, during the KDDX conceptual design in 2012. This prowess in shipbuilding has made Hanwha Ocean the leading supplier of destroyers to the Republic of Korea Navy.

A Hanwha Ocean representative expressed pride in the company's reputation as a premier shipbuilder, reaffirming their commitment to contribute to South Korea's security and naval strength through their upcoming endeavors in the KDDX project.

The Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates, weighing in at 3,500 tons and measuring 130 meters in length, are capable of speeds up to 30 knots (approximately 55 km/h). They are equipped with advanced anti-air and anti-submarine detection capabilities, and feature a hybrid propulsion system combining medium-low speed electric propulsion with high-speed gas turbine engines.