New challenger joins competition for next Korean carrier
HHI signs MoU with Babcock to offer the ROK Navy a CVX design, one fitted with a ski jump. (Photo: HHI)
As HMS Queen Elizabeth arrives in Korea, attention turns to ROK’s indigenous aircraft carrier programme, with Babcock and HHI signing an MoU.
Babcock International and Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) have signed an MoU in order to foster collaboration on the development of the Republic of Korea’s (ROK) CVX Aircraft Carrier Programme.
Babcock will bring their experience as a part of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance that designed, built and delivered the Queen Elizabeth-class carriers for the UK to the CVX carrier programme.
Whereas HHI offers access to its Ulsan shipyard, the largest shipyard in the world, and its experience as one of the largest shipbuilding companies worldwide.
This announcement comes at a very appropriate time as HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived in Korean waters towards the end of August.
ROK’s Ministry of National Defense announced plans for an LPX-II light aircraft carrier in August 2020 and the name ‘CVX’ was picked up in February 2021.
Funds of $2.07 billion were reserved for the programme in 2021, however, it has not yet been approved by the National Assembly.
There is some scepticism surrounding the programme as some believe a light aircraft carrier is not the most suitable for ROK’s strategic interests.
Work is expected to officially start in 2022 and be completed by 2033 if the programme is approved.
HHI’s main competitor for the programme, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering, also signed an MoU with Fincantieri earlier this year.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition]()
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
-
![Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?]()
Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?
As the Iran War draws US ships and marine corps units away from the Indo-Pacific, curtailed exercises and a temporary carrier gap are exposing tensions between Washington’s demand for more self-reliant allies and the joint training needed to realise that ambition.
-
![How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?]()
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
![Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline]()
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
