South Korea’s defence procurement agency has announced a selective bidding process to choose a shipbuilder for the country’s first fully domestically-produced advanced destroyer.

The decision ends a two-year deadlock caused by a legal dispute between Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries over design data.

The Defence Acquisition Program Promotion Committee confirmed on Monday that it will conduct a “nominated competition” between the two companies to award the contract for the detailed design and construction of six next-generation destroyers.

The project, estimated at 7 trillion won ($5.3 billion), aims to deliver 6,000–7,000-ton class vessels equipped with weapons and systems largely developed in South Korea. The first ship is expected by 2030, with all six to be delivered by 2036.

The destroyer programme was first launched in 2011 with the goal of reducing reliance on U.S. weapon systems and developing an entirely Korean Aegis-class vessel.

Initial concept designs were created by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) in 2012, and the project was advanced in 2020, calling for domestic shipbuilders to submit designs for the next-generation destroyer.

Hyundai Heavy Industries completed a three-year concept design and proposed a 6,500-ton destroyer featuring a fully electric propulsion system, including a 25MW motor, advanced automation, automated ammunition transport, smart bridge systems, and autonomous navigation capabilities.

Hanwha Ocean, which acquired DSME, proposed a 7,000-ton destroyer with a stealth hull designed to reduce noise, vibration, heat and radar signature.

Its design includes an integrated mast housing radar and infrared sensors, and it proposes advanced capabilities such as anti-drone and laser weapon systems.

The project had been delayed following a court ruling in 2023 that confirmed Hyundai employees had illegally obtained confidential design materials, leading to extended discussions within the Defence Acquisition Program Promotion Committee over the next steps.

The recent decision to hold a competitive process is intended to restore fairness while maintaining the project timeline.

The destroyers are planned as a strategic asset for South Korea’s Navy, set to replace the ageing Gwanggaeto-class vessels, which are scheduled for decommissioning between 2028 and 2032.

Officials emphasised that the vessels will incorporate advanced domestic technology to respond to increasingly sophisticated nuclear, missile, and underwater threats.

References: koreajoongangdaily, yna