South Korea lines up new warship contracts
The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) will continue to grow in capability, with new contracts for destroyers, submarines and a next-generation LHD awarded to indigenous shipbuilders in recent days.
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) was awarded a KRW676.6 billion ($610 million) contract by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on 10 October to build a first-of-class 8,100t Aegis guided-missile destroyer by November 2024
The ROKN will eventually receive three of this Gwanggaeto the Great Ⅲ destroyer by 2028, with the Defense Project Promotion Committee formally approving plans for their purchase on 30 April. HHI had received a design contract
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
-
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?
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?
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 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
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.