South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ HDF-6000 is a high-end frigate for the international market and is capable of ballistic missile defence missions. (Photo: author)
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries
South Korea’s major shipbuilders showcased a wide range of naval designs targeting export markets at MADEX 2025 in Busan. These offerings come as South Korea’s domestic shipbuilding industry continues to grow while pursuing ambitious international contracts.
KDDX programme faces delays, but may restart soon
Before introducing new export platforms, South Korea’s troubled KDDX destroyer programme deserves attention. The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN)’s six-ship programme is currently around two years behind schedule following a legal dispute between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Hanwha Ocean.
HHI completed the KDDX basic design, but battle lines drawn between the two shipbuilders delayed
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