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South Korea Navy modernization advances as final frigate phase launches with focus on Electronic Warfare upgrades.


According to information published by Yonhap News Agency on January 22, 2025, South Korea has launched the final phase of its next-generation frigate program, an initiative aimed at modernizing the Republic of Korea Navy’s surface fleet. Overseen by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), this program represents a step in replacing the Navy’s aging Ulsan-class frigates and Pohang-class corvettes with multi-role vessels designed to address maritime threats.
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Artist rendering of the future FFX-Batch IV frigate. (Picture source: Hanwha Ocean)


Launched in 2006, the FFX program was developed to replace the aging Ulsan-class frigates and Pohang-class corvettes, vessels that have served since the 1980s. The FFX-Batch IV frigates are the most advanced iteration of the program, designed to counter threats posed by adversary surface vessels, submarines, and aerial platforms in the contested waters of the Indo-Pacific.

The FFX-Batch IV frigates represent a leap forward in South Korea’s naval architecture. They will integrate advanced electronic warfare systems, extending detection ranges against low-signature targets such as submarines and stealth aircraft. Enhanced electronic support measures (ESM) and electronic countermeasure (ECM) capabilities are expected to strengthen their resilience in environments saturated with radar, jamming, and guided weapons threats.

Stealth features have been further refined, with angular hull designs and radar-absorbent materials significantly reducing radar cross-section. These ships are engineered for survivability, incorporating a reduced acoustic signature to enhance their effectiveness in anti-submarine operations. The vessels are expected to be equipped with the locally developed K-SQR 220 towed array sonar system, which provides superior tracking and targeting capabilities against underwater threats.

Propulsion technology will include an upgraded Combined Diesel-Electric and Gas (CODLAG) system, enhancing fuel efficiency and providing the ability to switch seamlessly between silent cruising modes and high-speed maneuvering. This propulsion setup also supports long-range operations, enabling the ships to operate effectively beyond coastal waters.

Weapon systems aboard the Batch IV frigates will include advanced surface-to-air missile systems, such as the Korean Surface-to-Air Missile (K-SAAM), capable of intercepting both aircraft and incoming anti-ship missiles. The vessels will also deploy anti-ship missiles and vertical launch systems (VLS) for land-attack cruise missiles, further increasing their operational versatility. Additionally, the frigates are expected to feature a new close-in weapon system (CIWS) for defense against incoming threats, as well as the K-745 Blue Shark lightweight torpedoes optimized for anti-submarine engagements.

Hanwha Ocean Co. was awarded an 839.1 billion won (USD 585.6 million) contract in December 2024 to construct the first two vessels of the Batch IV class. These ships are scheduled for delivery in 2029 and 2030. The frigates will be constructed at Hanwha’s facilities in Geoje.

Earlier phases of the FFX program have yielded three distinct classes of frigates, each with iterative advancements. The initial Batch I ships, designated as Incheon-class frigates, introduced multi-role capabilities with an emphasis on affordability. Batch II (Daegu-class) frigates added enhanced sonar and propulsion systems, while the ongoing Batch III frigates introduced advanced phased-array radar technology.


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