HHI wins deal to build Korean Navy’s newest frigate

March 17, 2020, by navaltoday

South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has secured a KRW 400 billion (about USD 325 million) deal to construct one frigate for the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN).

HHI signed the contract for the design and construction of the vessel with the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on March 16, 2020.

As informed, the Ulsan-class Batch-III frigate is scheduled to be delivered in late 2024.

The newbuild is the first of six 3,500-ton ships to be built for RoKN. Vessels of this class are 129 meters long, 15 meters wide and can reach a speed of up to 55 km/h.

According to HHI, the frigate will feature a four-sided fixed multi-function phased array radar capable of 360-degree omnidirectional detection, tracking and engagement. What is more, the unit will have a hybrid propulsion system design to avoid detection by submarines. It will also be able to operate at high speeds using gas turbine in case of emergency, the shipbuilder explained.

Naval Today Staff