Hanwha Ocean Co. was named the preferred bidder for South Korea's next-generation Navy destroyer program on June 12, 2026 [1].
This selection marks a critical step in the nation's naval modernization, shifting the production of advanced maritime defense assets to a domestic powerhouse. The project represents a significant investment in regional security and industrial capacity.
The contract, valued at 7.8 trillion won [2], is approximately 5.1 billion U.S. dollars [3]. Under the terms of the KDDX program, Hanwha Ocean will build six domestically produced destroyers [4]. Each vessel is designed with a displacement of 7,000 tons [5].
These ships will be Aegis-capable, providing the South Korean Navy with advanced integrated weapon systems, and radar capabilities to monitor and engage multiple threats simultaneously [6]. The program aims to enhance the fleet's ability to operate in contested waters and maintain maritime stability in the region.
The shipbuilding process is expected to follow a strict timeline to meet strategic defense requirements. The projected delivery year for these vessels is 2032 [7].
As the preferred bidder, Hanwha Ocean is now positioned to finalize the contract details. The company's role in the KDDX program solidifies its position as a primary contractor for the South Korean government's most complex naval acquisitions.
“Hanwha Ocean will build six domestically produced destroyers”
The selection of Hanwha Ocean for the KDDX program underscores South Korea's strategic shift toward total domestic self-reliance in high-end naval engineering. By producing 7,000-ton Aegis-capable ships locally, the country reduces its dependence on foreign technology and establishes a scalable blueprint for future maritime exports.
