South Korea approves more frigates plus SM-3 missiles
ROKS Chungnam, the first FFX Batch III frigate of the ROKN at its launch on 10 April 2023. (Photo: ROKN)
South Korea’s six FFX Batch IV frigates are expected to be delivered by 2032 and will full retirement of remaining Pohang-class corvettes and Ulsan-class frigates, and possibly Gwanggaeto-class destroyers.
Several important naval programmes were approved by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee (DAPPC) on 26 April, including close-in weapon systems, follow-on frigates and shipborne ballistic-missile interceptors.
The committee gave assent to construction of new FFX Batch IV frigates for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). This represents the final phase of the FFX shipbuilding effort that will eventually see 26 frigates in service.
The final batch is based on the preceding FFX Batch III Chungnam-class design, but with upgrades such as the CIWS-II, a Hanwha Systems engineering control system and improved integration of armaments (including the SSM-700K
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![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.
