TSAMTO, August 11. The Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea has decided to purchase a new frigate with improved means of protection against air threats and ensuring survivability through the use of the results of national research and development.
This was announced on August 4 by the Agency for Defense Procurement Programs of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea DAPA (Defense Acquisition Program Administration).
As the Yonhap news agency notes with reference to DAPA data, the Committee for the Review of the country's Defense Projects during a meeting held in the format of a videoconference approved a plan for the implementation of the project for the purchase of Ulsan-class frigates of the fourth batch (Batch IV) with a total cost of 3.5 trillion. won ($3.1 billion).
It is expected that the project will expand the capabilities of the Republic of Korea's Navy at sea, as well as contribute to the development of modern technologies of the national industry and the creation of new jobs.
The overall budget of the program, which is designed for 2023-2032, is subject to re-consideration and approval after the preparation of a feasibility study.
Currently, the South Korean company Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. is developing new FFX-3 (Ulsan Batch III) frigates with a displacement of 3,500 tons for the Republic of Korea Navy as part of a project that began in 2016.
At the meeting on August 4, the Defense Projects Review Committee also decided to replace the leading developer of the light torpedo modernization project – one of the national companies will be engaged in this instead of the Defense Development Agency. It is expected that this will help the South Korean defense industry to expand its competence in conducting various research projects.
