[Report] HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Leads 'K-Defense' Export Success with Warships and Submarines

Visiting the Special Shipbuilding Division for Warships and Submarines
Testing and Evaluation of Aegis Destroyer 'Jeongjo Daewang' Underway
Expanding Defense Exports through Development of Future and Export-Oriented Warships

On the morning of the 20th, at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan Shipyard, every shipbuilding dock was filled with vessels under construction. The massive LNG carrier, measuring 300 meters in length, showcased an overwhelming presence matching its size. As the bus reached the far end of the shipyard, two warships, distinct in appearance from regular merchant ships, were preparing to set sail side by side.

On the 20th, the Jeongjo Daewang ship (left) and Chungnam ship docked at the special ship division dock of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan Shipyard (Photo by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries).

These were the Jeongjo Daewang, the first ship of the Aegis Destroyer Batch-2 built by Hyundai Heavy Industries, and the escort ship "Chungnam," known as a mini Aegis ship. Although only half the size of the LNG carrier, they represent the "core power of the sea-based mobile tri-axis system," South Korea's first capability to detect, track, and intercept enemy ballistic missiles at sea.

They were the unsung heroes of the Navy that successfully detected and tracked the flight of the satellite launch vehicle during North Korea's third military reconnaissance satellite launch on the 21st, following it until it exited the southern sea's distant airspace.

Hyundai Heavy Industries is conducting test evaluations in collaboration with the Navy ahead of delivery next year. A Hyundai Heavy Industries official met on the Jeongjo Daewang stated, "Performance tests are conducted at least five days a week and up to two weeks, undergoing over 500 test items to identify improvements and correct errors."

Although both warships are completed, their interiors still show signs of ongoing work. Explanatory notes about equipment were posted throughout the interior, and all combat systems were concealed behind screens. Due to military facility restrictions, interior photography was not permitted.

Choi Taebok, Director of External Cooperation at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Special Ship Business Division, explained, "Since they are already operational, one might think of them as used ships upon delivery, but through continuous performance checks and repairs during testing, we are making them perfect warships. We are doing our best in process management to deliver them in perfect condition on time."

On the 20th, the Jeongjo Daewang ship docked at the special ship division dock of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan Shipyard (Photo by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries).

The Jeongjo Daewang measures 170 meters in length and 21 meters in width, and is the first ship of the Aegis Destroyer Batch-2. An Aegis destroyer is a critical national strategic asset capable of countering multiple submarines, fighter jets, and missiles. Since the decision to introduce them domestically in 1994 amid ongoing provocations from North Korea, Hyundai Heavy Industries has constructed the Sejong Daewang (ordered in 2004) and Seoae Ryu Seongryong (ordered in 2008).

The Jeongjo Daewang was laid down in 2021 and launched in July last year. The keel-laying ceremony, marking the placement of the first block inside the dock, is an event wishing for successful construction and safety, signifying that shipbuilding has entered its main phase.

Compared to the Sejong Daewang-class of Batch-1, the Jeongjo Daewang has significantly improved size and performance. The sonar system was changed from a high-frequency-based system to a low-frequency-based sonar detection system, dramatically increasing detection range. The propulsion system added two hybrid electric propulsion systems (HED) to the existing four gas turbine engines, enabling economical maneuvering that saves fuel during normal navigation.

Notably, it is equipped with ballistic missile interceptors, a core technology for detecting, tracking, and intercepting enemy ballistic missiles. The Sejong Daewang-class could only detect and track ballistic missiles. It also features state-of-the-art radar capable of identifying ballistic missile trajectories at altitudes of 7 to 12 kilometers above ground.

On the 20th, the Jeongjo Daewang ship docked at the Special Ship Division dock of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan Shipyard (Photo by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries).

To build the Jeongjo Daewang equipped with various weapon systems, Hyundai Heavy Industries reassembled the former Integrated Combat System Team (ITT). After the completion of the Sejong Daewang-class Aegis shipbuilding project in the late 2000s, the dispersed personnel were redeployed for the Jeongjo Daewang project, with additional young talent recruited. The ITT participates in all phases from contract signing, research and development, basic and detailed design, construction, installation, inspection, to testing.

They participate in all quarterly bilateral Korea-US coordination meetings, including combat system integration, ship installation and testing, combat system logistics support, and education committees. They also support successful onboard testing in collaboration with the US Navy, Lockheed Martin, the Republic of Korea Navy, and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

Aegis ships are produced only by three countries worldwide: the United States, Japan, and South Korea. Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to continuously expand defense exports through the development of future and export-oriented warships based on its ship and submarine production technology, establishing a stable business foundation in the special ship sector.

Joo Wonho, Vice President and Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Special Ship Business Division, said, "The domestic warship market size is 2.2 trillion KRW, and even if domestic shipbuilders win orders, it is less than 1 trillion KRW per company. We will focus on expanding export capabilities to secure independent operational power solely in the special ship business sector." He added, "We are also considering various options such as acquiring shipyards or equity investments to enter the US defense market."

On the 20th, the Jeongjo Daewang ship (below) and the Chungnam ship docked at the special ship division dock of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Ulsan Shipyard (Photo by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries).

Joo Won-ho, President of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Special Ship Business Division, is holding a press conference at the Ulsan Shipyard on the 20th. (Photo by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries)

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