South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has formally launched development of the next-generation Ulsan-class Batch-IV (FFX-IV) frigate, the agency announced on 22 January.
According to DAPA, the meeting was held at Hanwha Ocean in Geoje and led by its Head of the Naval Ship Program Department Rear Admiral Hyun-seung Shin and included representatives from the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ), the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN), as well as industry partners Hanwha Ocean, Hanwha Systems and LIG Nex1.
Hanwha Ocean was awarded a ₩ 839.1 billion contract to build the first two FFX-IV frigates, while Hanwha Systems and LIG Nex1 were contracted to develop the Engineering Control System (ECS) and combat system and weapon control systems.
The RoKN operates a fleet of six Incheon (FFX-I)-class frigates commissioned from 2012 and eight Daegu (FFX-II)-class frigates inducted beginning in 2018. The service recently commissioned its first Chungnam (FFX-III)-class frigate in December 2024 and is scheduled to receive at least five more FFX-III vessels.
DAPA added that the FFX-IV frigates will feature superior capabilities compared to the preceding Chungnam-class (FFX-III) frigates, and will be equipped with the upgraded Shipboard Electronic Warfare Equipment-II suite designed to offer more than twice the detection range of currently fielded systems.
The FFX-IV frigate will also be equipped with an updated weapon control system that will be able to command anti-ship, surface-to-land, and surface-to-air missiles, as well as torpedoes.
“Through the Ulsan-class Batch-IV project, we will strive to deliver cutting-edge frigates on schedule to strengthen the Navy’s capabilities…by demonstrating the excellence of Korea’s domestic shipbuilding technology to the global market, we aim to contribute to future Korean defence exports,” said Rear Admiral Shin.
DAPA plans to complete the construction of the first and second FFX-IV frigates by 2028 and 2029, respectively, with delivery to the RoKN scheduled for 2029 and 2030 after completion of sea trials.
by Jr Ng
