South Korea’s defense procurement agency DAPA has awarded shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries a contract worth an estimated $325 million for the design and delivery of the Republic of Korea Navy’s first Batch III Ulsan-class frigate.
The contract for the first of potential six units in the class was announced by both the shipbuilder and DAPA on March 16.
The next generation of ROK Navy frigates will measure 129 meters in length and displace 3,500 tons.
Featuring an electric propulsion system for reduced noise levels during anti-submarine warfare operations, the frigates will also benefit from a 360-degree phased array radar.
The lead ship is expected to be delivered by 2024.
