Hanwha Ocean rebutted the suspicion that it illegally used the concept design report for the Korean next-generation destroyer (KDDX) in its basic design proposal, stating, "This is clearly false."
On the 12th, Hanwha Ocean noted in a statement that it had confirmed that an image included in its concept design report was reflected in the basic design proposal, but it claimed, "The image in question was data that had significantly expired at the time of creating the basic design proposal in 2020 and was included under its own review for the purpose of preparing a thorough proposal."
It also stated, "While the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's security verification committee found that there were some parts that were quoted, it concluded that there were no issues," and emphasized, "The suspicion that Hanwha Ocean utilized the KDDX concept design without prior approval is clearly a matter that has already been determined to be without problems."
Regarding the suspicion about the illegal storage of the original KDDX concept design, Hanwha Ocean emphasized, "At the time in 2012, there was no basis for claiming that the storage of the original was a violation of military confidentiality protection law guidelines and orders," adding, "It is illogical to retroactively apply that the original storage was illegal for the basic design use."
The KDDX project is a 'mega project' to construct six destroyers at a total cost of 7.8 trillion won. The aim is to secure an 8,000-ton-class combat ship to be operated as a core naval power. The KDDX project proceeds in the order of concept design, basic design, detailed design, lead ship construction, and follow-on ship construction. HD Hyundai, responsible for the basic design, and Hanwha Ocean, which managed the concept design, are competing for the lead ship contract.