Hanwha Ocean eyes KDDX project with smart ship, propulsion technologies
South Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean announced Thursday that it is ramping up its capabilities to participate in Korea's next-generation destroyer or KDDX project.
Scheduled for completion in 2031, the 7.8 trillion won ($5.4 billion) project aims to develop a state-of-the-art naval combat system, featuring six 6,000-ton Aegis-equipped destroyers built using Korea's homegrown technologies.
The selection of a contractor for the detailed design and construction of the fleet's lead ship, originally expected in July 2023, is now set for April 2024.
Advancing all-electric propulsion for KDDX
Hanwha Ocean is working to acquire the technology needed to produce electric propulsion systems for surface vessels, a critical component for building all-electric destroyers.
In Korea, this technology has only been implemented in submarines, specifically the Jangbogo KSS-III Batch-I and Batch-II, both built by Hanwha Ocean. In contrast, global naval forces, including those of the US and UK, have already deployed all-electric warships.
The shipbuilder said the KDDX destroyers will be powered by high-output 25-megawatt motors, emphasizing that electrifying all ship systems, including weapons and propulsion, will enhance operational capabilities and potential applications.
Last year, Hanwha Ocean successfully completed a simulated test for stable power control in an all-electric military vessel. The company has also developed a hybrid propulsion system integrating gas turbines and motors for the Ulsan-class Batch-II surface vessels.
Smart bridge technology for next-gen warships
Hanwha Ocean is also advancing smart bridge technology for military ships, inspired by aircraft cockpit designs. These smart command spaces feature ergonomic layouts to improve crew efficiency and operational convenience, ultimately reducing staffing requirements on the bridge.
The company has already integrated a smart bridge into the conceptual design of Korea's Auxiliary Training Ship II. Additionally, the Korean Navy's auxiliary submarine rescue ship, Ganghwado, delivered by Hanwha Ocean last year, was equipped with a control console and operational display that integrates various functions.
Enhancing rapid response and cybersecurity in naval warfare
As part of the KDDX project's basic design, Hanwha Ocean has proposed integrating various control systems into a single, unified network — a core technology expected to define the future of military vessels.
Traditionally, military ships rely on separate systems for functions such as communications and weapon management. Hanwha Ocean's unified system aims to enhance decision-making and responsiveness in high-intensity combat situations.
Hanwha plans to extend this integrated approach to the 5th and 6th Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates, which it will construct, as well as the 1st and 2nd ships of the Ulsan-class Batch-VI.
To address cybersecurity risks associated with an integrated naval network, Hanwha Ocean and its defense affiliate, Hanwha Systems, have developed a cybersecurity system for military vessels.
This system has been certified by a US-based ship classification society, making it the first vessel cybersecurity system in Asia to receive such recognition.
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