South Korea kicks off FFX Batch-IV frigate program

DAPA News Release– Translation by Naval Information

On Wednesday, the 22nd, the Protection Procurement Program Management (DAPA) held a cumulative first conference for the Ulsan-class Frigate (FFX) Batch-IV task at Hanwha Sea in Geoje, South Gyeongsang District.

The conference was supervised by the Head of the Naval Ship Program Division at DAPA (RDML Hyun-seung Shin) and gone to by agents from the Firm for Protection Growth (ADD), Protection Firm for Innovation and Top Quality (DTaQ), the Navy, Hanwha Sea, Hanwha Solutions and LIG Nex1.

The FFX Batch-IV task notes the last stage of the next-generation frigate campaign, which started in 2006 to change aging frigates and patrol vessels. This first conference holds symbolic value as it opens up the last phase of the whole task. Throughout the conference, DAPA and the taking part companies reviewed significant issues such as the task timeline for shipbuilding and incorporated tools systems growth, in addition to interagency control, while developing a close cooperation system amongst all stakeholders.

The Ulsan-class Batch-IV task has actually advanced given that its fundamental task strategy was pondered and authorized at the 138th Protection Job Promo Board conference in August 2021. Agreements were checked in December 2024 with Hanwha Sea (for the building of the initial and 2nd ships), Hanwha Equipment (for creating Design Control System (ECS) and battle system) LIG Nex1 (for creating tool control systems). The ships developed under this task will certainly include improved functional abilities contrasted to the Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates.

Trick developments consist of the consolidation of responses from sea tests and functional experiences with earlier frigates, in addition to the application of innovative innovations to make best use of functional efficiency. The frigates will certainly additionally be outfitted with the updated Shipboard Electronic War Equipment-II, which flaunts greater than double the discovery variety of its precursor. In addition, a freshly created tool control system with the ability of incorporating 4 kinds of directed tools (anti-ship rocket, surface-to-land rocket, surface-to-air rocket, and long-range anti-submarine torpedo) and a Design Control System (ECS) will considerably improve functional performance and upkeep comfort.

Especially, the localization of the ECS will certainly help with smooth assimilation with extra tools and make certain convenience of upkeep and upgrades. This localization is additionally anticipated to drive developments amongst associated protection professionals and element producers.

” With the Ulsan-class Batch-IV task, we will certainly make every effort to provide innovative frigates on time to enhance the Navy’s abilities. Furthermore, by showing the quality of Korea’s residential shipbuilding innovation to the international market, we intend to add to future Oriental protection exports.”

Head of the Naval Ship Program Division at DAPA, RDML Hyun-seung Shin

DAPA prepares to finish the building of the initial and 2nd ships of the Ulsan-class Batch-IV by 2028 and 2029, specifically. These will certainly be adhered to by sea tests, with shipment to the Navy set up for 2029 and 2030.

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Naval Information Remark

As previously reported by Naval News, the FFX Batch-IV will mostly look like the Batch-III in style and abilities however will certainly be extra reliable as a result of its updated incorporated tool control system. This system is anticipated to considerably improve functional performance and upkeep comfort by incorporating the vessel’s 4 significant tool systems: the C-Star anti-ship rocket, Sea Dragon cruise ship rocket, K-SAAM short-range surface-to-air rocket, and Red Shark K-ASROC. Additionally, the Design Control System (ECS) being created by Hanwha Equipment will certainly include network-based incorporated control and surveillance of the marine vessel’s propulsion, power, troubleshooting, and complementary systems.

Furthermore, the Batch-IV will certainly include follower tools to the presently utilized SLQ-200K Sonata digital war system, anticipated to improve the vessel’s discovery, digital war abilities, and survivability in future functional atmospheres.

Finally, with the effective building and appointing of the FFX Batch-IV, the Republic of Korea Navy will certainly finish the FFX program, which changes the aging or deactivated Pohang– course PCC, Ulsan– course FF, and Gwanggaeto the Great– course DDH that as soon as guarded South Korea’s waters. Amongst these, the Batch-IV is anticipated to handle the duty formerly satisfied by the Gwanggaeto the Great-class / KDX-I destroyers.

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