{"id":1617,"date":"2025-11-29T07:58:40","date_gmt":"2025-11-29T05:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/?p=1617"},"modified":"2025-06-08T12:25:54","modified_gmt":"2025-06-08T10:25:54","slug":"south-korea-kicks-off-ffx-batch-iv-frigate-program","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/?p=1617","title":{"rendered":"South Korea kicks off FFX Batch-IV frigate program"},"content":{"rendered":"

South Korea’s DAPA has launched the Ulsan-class Batch-IV frigate program, the final phase of the next-generation frigate (FFX) initiative, featuring upgraded systems for enhanced efficiency and performance.<\/p>\n

The FFX Batch-IV project marks the final phase of the next-generation frigate initiative, which began in 2006 to replace aging frigates and patrol vessels. This kickoff meeting holds symbolic significance as it opens the last chapter of the entire project. During the meeting, DAPA and the participating organizations discussed major matters such as the project timeline for shipbuilding and integrated equipment systems development, as well as interagency coordination, while establishing a close collaboration system among all stakeholders.<\/p>\n

The Ulsan-class Batch-IV project has progressed since its basic project plan was deliberated and approved at the 138th Defense Project Promotion Committee meeting in August 2021. Contracts were signed in December 2024 with Hanwha Ocean (for the construction of the first and second ships), Hanwha Systems (for developing Engineering Control System (ECS) and combat system) LIG Nex1 (for developing weapon control systems). The ships built under this project will feature enhanced operational capabilities compared to the Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates.<\/p>\n

Key advancements include the incorporation of feedback from sea trials and operational experiences with earlier frigates, as well as the application of cutting-edge technologies to maximize operational performance. The frigates will also be equipped with the upgraded Shipboard Electronic Warfare Equipment-II, which boasts more than double the detection range of its predecessor. Additionally, a newly developed weapon control system capable of integrating four types of guided weapons (anti-ship missile, surface-to-land missile, surface-to-air missile, and long-range anti-submarine torpedo) and an Engineering Control System (ECS) will significantly enhance operational efficiency and maintenance convenience.<\/p>\n

Notably, the localization of the ECS will facilitate seamless integration with additional equipment and ensure ease of maintenance and upgrades. This localization is also expected to drive advancements among related defense contractors and component manufacturers.<\/p>\n

\u201cThrough the Ulsan-class Batch-IV project, we will strive to deliver cutting-edge frigates on schedule to strengthen the Navy\u2019s capabilities. Moreover, by demonstrating the excellence of Korea\u2019s domestic shipbuilding technology to the global market, we aim to contribute to future Korean defense exports.\u201d<\/p>\n

Head of the\u00a0Naval Ship Program Department at DAPA, RDML Hyun-seung Shin<\/p>\n

<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

DAPA plans to complete the construction of the first and second ships of the Ulsan-class Batch-IV by 2028 and 2029, respectively. These will be followed by sea trials, with delivery to the Navy scheduled for 2029 and 2030.<\/p>\n

Naval News Comment<\/strong><\/p>\n

As\u00a0previously reported by\u00a0Naval News<\/em>, the FFX Batch-IV will largely resemble the\u00a0Batch-III\u00a0in design and capabilities but will be more efficient due to its upgraded integrated weapon control system. This system is expected to significantly enhance operational efficiency and maintenance convenience by integrating the vessel\u2019s four major weapon systems: the C-Star anti-ship missile, Sea Dragon cruise missile, K-SAAM short-range surface-to-air missile, and Red Shark K-ASROC. Furthermore, the Engineering Control System (ECS) being developed by Hanwha Systems will incorporate network-based integrated control and monitoring of the naval vessel\u2019s propulsion, power, damage control, and auxiliary systems.<\/p>\n

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Engineering Control System (ECS) (Hanwha Systems Photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

Additionally, the Batch-IV will feature successor equipment to the currently used SLQ-200K Sonata electronic warfare system, expected to enhance the vessel\u2019s detection, electronic warfare capabilities, and survivability in future operational environments.<\/p>\n

Lastly, with the successful construction and commissioning of the FFX Batch-IV, the Republic of Korea Navy will complete the FFX program, which replaces the aging or decommissioned\u00a0Pohang<\/em>-class PCC,\u00a0Ulsan<\/em>-class FF, and\u00a0Gwanggaeto the Great<\/em>-class DDH that once safeguarded South Korea\u2019s waters. Among these, the Batch-IV is expected to take on the role previously fulfilled by the\u00a0Gwanggaeto the Great-class \/ KDX-I destroyers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

South Korea’s DAPA has launched the Ulsan-class Batch-IV frigate program, the final phase of the next-generation frigate (FFX) initiative, featuring upgraded systems for enhanced efficiency and performance. The FFX Batch-IV […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1656,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[66,321],"class_list":["post-1617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-naval","tag-frigate","tag-south-korea"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SOUTH-KOREA-FRIGATE.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1617","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1617"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1617\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1657,"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1617\/revisions\/1657"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1656"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1617"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1617"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedefencenews.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1617"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}