South Korea Launches Ulsan-Class Batch-IV Frigate Project

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) officially launched the Ulsan-class (FFX) Batch-IV project with an integrated kickoff meeting on January 22.

Held at Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd., in Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do, the event was led by Navy Commodore Shin Hyun-seung and attended by representatives from the Agency for Defense Development, the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality, Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd., Hanwha Systems Co., Ltd., and LIG Nex1 Co., Ltd.

Discussions during the meeting centered on project schedules, equipment development plans, and inter-agency coordination to ensure efficient execution.

The Ulsan-class Batch-IV project represents the final stage of South Korea’s next-generation frigate initiative, which began in 2006 to replace outdated frigates and patrol ships. Approved by the Defense Project Promotion Committee in 2021, contracts for the construction of the first two ships, as well as the development of advanced control systems and weaponry, were finalized in December 2024. Hanwha Ocean Co., Ltd., was tasked with ship construction, while Hanwha Systems Co., Ltd., and LIG Nex1 Co., Ltd., are responsible for the development of integrated systems and weapon control equipment, respectively.

The new frigates are expected to deliver advancements over the Batch-III ships. Enhanced electronic warfare equipment will more than double detection range capabilities, while an advanced weapon control system will integrate ship-to-ship, ship-to-ground, anti-ship missile defense, and long-range anti-submarine torpedoes. Additionally, an integrated machinery control system will streamline propulsion, power, and auxiliary equipment operations.

The project emphasizes localization, particularly in the development of the integrated machinery control system. This approach is intended to simplify future upgrades, enhance system compatibility, and support domestic defense industry growth. By prioritizing indigenous development.

Hanwha Ocean announced on December 19, 2024, a $600 million contract with DAPA to build the first two Ulsan-class Batch-IV frigates, set for delivery by December 2030. This final phase of replacing 1980s-era Ulsan-class frigates includes six ships. 

The first and second Ulsan-class Batch-IV ships are expected to be completed by 2028 and 2029, respectively, with delivery to the Republic of Korea Navy anticipated by 2029 and 2030 following comprehensive testing.

The Batch-IV design mirrors the Batch-III Chungnam-class but offers improved combat efficiency with upgraded systems, including the C-Star anti-ship missile, Red Shark K-ASROC, K-SAAM missile, Sea Dragon Cruise Missile, and an indigenous Engineering Control System (ECS).

LIG Nex1’s Electronic Warfare Equipment-II, replacing the SLQ-200K Sonata by 2029, will enhance survivability against modern missile and drone threats with advanced jamming capabilities. Hanwha Ocean, the sole Batch-IV program bidder, aims to deliver “smart frigates” with reduced crew needs, better living conditions, and advanced cyber security and UAV countermeasures.

Despite maintaining similar displacement and design as Batch-III Nos. 5 and 6, Batch-IV frigates will feature advanced systems like Close-In Weapon System-II and innovative technologies for future naval operations.