Hyundai Heavy Industries to Deliver Ulsan-class Batch-III to Navy in 2024

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu Reporter] Hyundai Heavy Industries will complete the development of the Ulsan-class Batch-Ⅲ lead ship (the first ship to be constructed) by 2024 and deliver it to the Navy.

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on the 16th, Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a contract worth 400 billion KRW for the system development of the Ulsan-class Batch-Ⅲ lead ship (the first ship to be constructed).

Batch refers to a bundle unit for constructing ships of the same type. As it progresses from Batch-I, Batch-Ⅱ to Batch-Ⅲ, the ship design and performance have been improved. The Ulsan-class ships are intended to replace aging frigates and patrol ships, with enhanced anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities.

DAPA explained that to replace the aging frigates and patrol ships, ships with improved anti-air and anti-submarine capabilities are being constructed. The new frigate measures 129 meters in length, 15 meters in width, weighs 3,500 tons, and can operate at a maximum speed of 55 km/h.

A composite sensor mast equipped with radar and infrared tracking devices fixed on four sides has been applied to minimize detection equipment blind spots. Hyundai Heavy Industries stated that the ship is equipped with a four-sided fixed multifunction phased array radar capable of 360-degree omnidirectional detection, tracking, and response, enhancing anti-air defense capabilities compared to existing Ulsan-class frigates.

Using an electric propulsion system that generates less noise, the ship can avoid detection threats from submarines, while in emergencies, it can operate at high speed using gas turbine propulsion. The main armaments of the Ulsan-class Batch-Ⅲ include a 5-inch naval gun, anti-ship guided missiles, and a close-in weapon system, with a crew of about 120.

DAPA stated, "The Ulsan-class Batch-Ⅲ is a ship with significantly enhanced detection capabilities and survivability at sea," adding, "It is expected to contribute to defense exports as it possesses excellent shipbuilding technology."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.