South Korean Navy's Future Hanwha Ocean to build Ulsan class Batch IV frigates.

According to a PR published by Hanwha Ocean on December 19, 2024, the Korean company has signed an 640.000 million USD contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to construct the first two ships of the Ulsan-class Batch-IV frigates, scheduled for completion by December 2030.
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Artist rendering of the future Ulsan-class frigate Batch-IV. (Picture source: Hanwha Ocean)

This marks the final stage of a program aimed at replacing the aging Ulsan-class frigates, in service since the 1980s. The Batch-IV project will deliver six advanced frigates.

The new frigates, dubbed “smart frigates,” signify a revolutionary leap in naval technology. While maintaining similar displacement and external design as previous models, these ships incorporate state-of-the-art systems, setting them apart as a full transformation of the Ulsan-class series. Upgraded combat systems and weaponry, including advanced electronic warfare and close-in weapon systems, reflect a forward-looking approach to maritime defense. Enhanced cybersecurity features address the growing threat of cyberattacks, while sophisticated systems improve resilience against unmanned threats. Additionally, the design optimizes crew requirements.

The company has previously delivered the Batch-III frigates and is recognized as the sole South Korean shipbuilder to have constructed all vessels in the KDX destroyer lineup. Hanwha Ocean intends to leverage the success of its Batch-III frigates to ensure the integration of advanced technologies in the Batch-IV units.

Ulsan-class

Measuring 103.7 meters in length with a beam of 12.5 meters, the Ulsan-class frigates are powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) propulsion system. This allows for speeds of up to 34 knots and an operational range of approximately 8,000 nautical miles when cruising at 16 knots. Their weaponry includes a mix of primary and secondary naval guns, anti-ship missiles, and anti-submarine systems, making them well-suited for multi-role operations. They are equipped with advanced sensors and electronic warfare systems, ensuring effective threat detection and response capabilities.

The class comprises three batches with slight design variations, which were commissioned between the early 1980s and early 1990s. These ships have served extensively in roles such as coastal patrol, anti-submarine warfare, and international naval exercises. Over time, some of the frigates have been decommissioned and preserved as museum ships, while others remain active or have been repurposed for training. The Ulsan-class also made its mark internationally, with a modified version serving in the Bangladesh Navy under the name BNS Bangabandhu.