Hanwha Ocean signed a main contract for the 'Ulsan-class Batch-IV ships 1 and 2 construction project.' The contract amount totals 839.1 billion won.
According to Hanwha Ocean on the 19th, as the final project of a four-phase initiative to replace Ulsan-class frigates that have been in use since the 1980s, a total of six ships will be built. The project is set to be carried out until December 2030.
A representative from Hanwha Ocean noted, "While there will be no changes in displacement or appearance compared to the Ulsan-class Batch-III ships 5 and 6, the Ulsan-class Batch-IV is considered a 'full change' model, completely different from previous frigates, thanks to its designation as a 'smart frigate.'"
The Ulsan-class Batch-IV will incorporate performance-enhancing equipment, including a combat system and four types of armaments, as well as the newly integrated Close-In Weapon System (CIWS)-II and electronic warfare equipment-II. Additionally, design considerations to reduce personnel requirements and improve the operational and living convenience for crew members will be applied. The system will also have cyber security monitoring capabilities and enhanced unmanned aerial vehicle threat response capabilities.
Hanwha Ocean aims to contribute to strengthening naval power and independent defense capabilities by successfully delivering Batch-IV ships 1 and 2 following the Batch-III ships 5 and 6. Joo Yong-jun, Head of Team at Hanwha Ocean's special vessel domestic sales team, stated, "While maintaining the technical continuity of the Ulsan-class Batch-III ships 5 and 6, we will create a frigate like none seen before based on cutting-edge smart vessel solutions."