HJSC bags order for construction of four more high-speed patrol ships for ROKN

South Korean shipbuilder HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has secured an order for four additional high-speed patrol vessels to build for ROK Navy (ROKN).

As disclosed, HJSC signed a deal with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for four Geomdoksuri-B Batch-II patrol vessels. The contract is worth KRW 266.3 billion ($182.7 million).

The contract follows its selection as the preferred bidder after “a rigorous process involving technical negotiations and other formalities”, the company noted.

The new high-speed patrol boats will be advanced vessels designed to replace the aging Chamsuri-class patrol boats. They will be equipped with the latest combat systems, anti-missile decoy systems, and remote fire control.

After delivering all 16 units of the previous Geomdoksuri-B Batch-I model to the ROK Navy, the shipbuilding company secured eight additional units in the Geomdoksuri-B Batch-II project by the end of last year, followed by an additional four units this year.

HJSC is now responsible for constructing all 28 units of the new high-speed patrol boats, which are deployed as rapid-response forces for missions such as guarding the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in border areas and coastal defense operations.

Moreover, the firm is under contract for the construction of a 3,000-ton patrol vessel for the Coast Guard, the performance upgrade project for 18 guided missile fast attack crafts for the ROK Navy, depot maintenance projects for the ROK Navy’s Dokdo, and high-speed landing crafts.