Daewoo recruits Fincantieri to support the development of new Korean aircraft carriers
The vessels are designed to ensure extremely efficient land - air - marine connections. (Image: Fincantieri)
Fincantieri will support Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering in the design of a potential new South Korean aircraft carrier.
Fincantieri has signed a contract with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) to support the conceptual design of a possible new class of CVX aircraft carriers for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).
The programme envisages the tender for a basic design to start from the second half of 2021, whereas the detailed design and construction will begin in the following years.
Fincantieri will advise DSME based on the expertise gained with the construction of the landing helicopter dock (LHD) Trieste, which will be delivered next year to the Italian Navy.
Fincantieri has much to gain from this agreement, particularly by strengthening its presence in the country.
Seastema, a subsidiary of Fincantieri, is already cooperating in the construction of eight new Daegu-class frigates for the national navy.
They are providing SeaSNavy to the vessels, an integrated platform management system.
The Trieste’s design showcases Fincantieri’s ability to meet the operational requirements of the ROKN.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, while the Trieste resembles an LHD platform, it will be able to host an air wing of F-35B Lightning II aircraft, so can still be designated as a carrier.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat]()
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
![Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister]()
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
![UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens]()
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
![White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production]()
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
