HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is providing insights into its future plans at the ongoing International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) in Busan. The shipbuilder is showcasing, for the first time, an export-type frigate and a future combat ship optimized for unmanned operations.

HHI has unveiled the indigenously developed 6,500-ton frigate designed specifically for exports, that it says will target future markets such as Saudi Arabia. In additon, HHI has entered into an MoU with the Portuguese Navy for joint development of small submarines, kicking off efforts to open up new export markets.

Futhermore, the Korean shipbuilder is showcasing its 'HCX-25', an evolved version of its 'HCX series' future ship concept, as well as concepts for a 'Mobile Unmanned Force Control Ship', 'Future Unmanned Force Carrier', and 'Unmanned Surface Vehicle For Combat' (USV) series. These will be manned and unmanned composite force command ships.

As far as the next-generation Korean destroyer (KDDX) is concerned, the KDDX currently under development are based on the JEONGJO DAEWANG-class AEGIS destroyer that HHI designed and built in-house. Also being showcased is the lead ship of the CHUNGNAM-class (ULSAN-class Batch-III) and a company funded high-seas patrol ship.

The Republic of Korea Navy had inked an order with HHI in April this year for the conceptual design of a multipurpose unmanned force carrier. HHI had earlier successfully completed the conceptual design for a light aircraft carrier-class large transport ship (CVX) and an unmanned force command and control ship.

The shipyard will also commence full-scale research and development of next-generation ships following the inking of an MOU for technical cooperation with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and LIG Nex1 for the development of a ‘multipurpose unmanned power carrier’ and an MOU with POSCO for the ‘development of new materials to be applied to the hull of next-generation ships.’

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