HD Hyundai Heavy Industries NAVAL & MEDIUM SIZE SHIPS

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Expands Submarine Program and Strategic Cooperation in Latin America

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Expands Submarine Program and Strategic Cooperation in Latin AmericaHD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) is accelerating its entry into the Latin American submarine market with its independently developed submarine platform.From June 24 to 27, HD HHI participated in SITDEF 2025, Latin America’s largest defense exhibition, held in Lima, Peru. In collaboration with LIG Nex1, the company operated a 220-square-meter exhibition booth showcasing both the next-generation frigate ordered by the Peruvian Navy in April 2024 and the next-generation submarine currently under joint development with the Peruvian government.As part of the exhibition, HD HHI held a promotional seminar for its export-oriented submarine, the HDS-1500, attended by key defense officials including the Peruvian Minister of Defense, Chief of Naval Staff, and representatives from the Korean Navy and Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The seminar featured presentations on advanced onboard systems, with participation from LIG Nex1.On June 24, HD HHI signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Peru’s state-owned shipbuilder SIMA, marking a follow-up to the MOU signed during APEC 2024. The MOA outlines the joint development of a customized 1,500-ton-class submarine based on HD HHI’s proprietary HDS-1500 design, aimed at replacing Peru’s aging submarine fleet and enhancing its maritime defense capabilities.In a further move to strengthen long-term cooperation, HD HHI signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on June 25 with the National University of Engineering (UNI) in Lima. The agreement supports education, training, and joint research in the shipbuilding and naval defense sectors, including human capital development in advanced technologies.That same day, HD HHI’s HDS-1500 submarine received Approval in Principle (AiP) from DNV, a leading global classification society, for its design. This follows the 2023 AiP for the 2,300-ton HDS-2300, solidifying HD HHI’s expanding K-submarine export portfolio.Joo Won-ho, Head of the Special Ship Business Division at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, commented: “We are deepening our collaboration with the Peruvian Navy from surface vessels to submarines, and are fully prepared to use Peru as a strategic hub for expanding into the Latin American market.”

2025-04-24

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Signs MOU with Fairbanks Morse Defense to Strengthen Entry into U.S. Naval Defense Market

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Signs MOU with Fairbanks Morse Defense to Strengthen Entry into U.S. Naval Defense MarketHD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) is partnering with a key U.S. naval defense equipment supplier to expand its presence in the American defense shipbuilding market.On Tuesday, September 8 (local time), HD HHI announced that it had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on “Supply Chain and Export Cooperation in the Naval Sector” with Fairbanks Morse Defense (FMD), a major U.S. defense equipment company.The signing ceremony took place at the FMD booth during Sea Air Space 2025 (SAS 2025) in Washington, D.C., with Joo Won-ho, Head of HD HHI’s Special & Naval Ship Business Unit, and George Whittier, CEO of FMD, as official signatories.This agreement follows closely after HD HHI signed an MOU on September 7 with Huntington Ingalls Industries, the largest defense shipbuilder in the United States, to collaborate on productivity enhancement and advanced shipbuilding technologies. Together, the deals are expected to strengthen HD HHI’s participation in the U.S. naval defense supply chain.FMD has served as a core partner of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and Military Sealift Command for over 100 years, providing engines, generators, and shipboard equipment. The company holds a comprehensive portfolio of essential components, advanced marine technologies, and solutions vital to building and maintaining the U.S. naval fleet.Under the new MOU, the two companies will explore cooperation in component sales, distribution, and manufacturing to strengthen global maritime defense capabilities. The partnership will also include supply chain participation, export collaboration, and information exchange in naval shipbuilding between the two countries.In particular, HD HHI plans to leverage FMD as a supplier of outfitting equipment for U.S. shipyards, thereby reinforcing its foothold in the U.S. defense market while expanding global supply chains centered on the U.S. and allied nations. This initiative is also expected to drive growth in Korea’s small and medium-sized shipbuilding equipment sector.FMD, meanwhile, will gain new opportunities to supply advanced equipment to the Republic of Korea Navy and strengthen its support for the U.S. Navy by expanding its portfolio with parts and technological solutions sourced from HD HHI.Joo Won-ho, Head of HD HHI’s Special & Naval Ship Business Unit, stated: “We are very pleased to establish a business partnership with FMD, which has maintained a long-standing cooperative relationship with the U.S. Navy. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has built high-quality combat ships for the Republic of Korea Navy and allied navies for more than 50 years. By combining the technological expertise of both companies, we expect to generate outstanding synergy.” George Whittier, CEO of FMD, added: “The United States aims to reassert its position as a global shipbuilding leader by fostering cooperation between leading global firms and American defense companies. This MOU provides a solid foundation to explore a wide range of collaborative opportunities that will drive mutual growth for both countries’ manufacturing and naval defense industries.”

2025-04-11

HD Hyundai Signs MOU with Huntington Ingalls at SAS 2025 to Boost U.S. Naval Market Expansion

HD Hyundai Signs MOU with Huntington Ingalls at SAS 2025 to Boost U.S. Naval Market ExpansionHD Hyundai has taken a major step toward entering the U.S. defense shipbuilding market by signing a cooperation agreement with Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), America’s largest naval shipbuilder.On September 7 (local time), HD Hyundai announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with HII to collaborate on productivity improvements and advanced shipbuilding technologies. The signing ceremony took place at the Huntington Ingalls exhibition booth during Sea Air Space 2025 (SAS 2025) in Washington, D.C., with Joo Won-ho, Head of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Special & Naval Ship Business Unit, and Brian Blanchette, HII Executive Vice President and President of Ingalls Shipbuilding, as the official signatories.HII operates the Ingalls Shipbuilding yard in Mississippi, the largest surface shipbuilder in the United States. The yard constructs two-thirds of the U.S. Navy’s Aegis destroyers as well as all of its large amphibious assault ships and major cutters.Under the MOU, the two companies will pool their expertise to maximize productivity in naval ship construction, share best practices to improve cost efficiency and delivery schedules, and cooperate on digital shipyard initiatives involving automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence. They will also promote workforce training, supply chain participation, and explore opportunities for future joint investments.The agreement marks the first collaboration between Korea and America’s leading naval shipbuilders, both of which possess world-class Aegis destroyer capabilities. It is expected to serve as a catalyst for stronger trust and partnership in shipbuilding and defense cooperation between the two allied nations.Joo Won-ho of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries stated: “Through this cooperation between Korea and the U.S., both of our nations’ leading shipbuilders can advance shipbuilding capabilities while also contributing to stronger security cooperation between the two allies.” Brian Blanchette of Huntington Ingalls added: “Today’s agreement is an important first step in strengthening shipbuilding capacity through allied cooperation. By combining our expertise, we can deliver high-quality naval vessels that will underpin maritime security for both nations.” In addition to the MOU with HII, HD Hyundai achieved other milestones at SAS 2025: it obtained design approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for a lightweight naval auxiliary support ship, and signed another MOU with Fairbanks Morse Defense, a key U.S. naval equipment supplier, for local supply chain cooperation. Furthermore, HD Hyundai’s Naval & Research Institute has recently engaged in discussions with the U.S. Office of Naval Research (ONR) on joint research and development for next-generation advanced naval ship designs—further evidence of the company’s commitment to accelerating its entry into the U.S. naval shipbuilding market.

2025-04-08

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Delivers Philippine Navy Corvette Five Months Early

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Delivers Philippine Navy Corvette Five Months EarlyHD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) announced on March 31 that it has delivered the first 3,200-ton class offshore patrol vessel (OPV) for the Philippine Navy, BRP Miguel Malvar, five months ahead of schedule.This marks the third consecutive early delivery of a Philippine Navy vessel by HD HHI. The company previously handed over the 2,600-ton frigate BRP Jose Rizal one month ahead of schedule in 2021, further underscoring its world-class competitiveness in naval ship construction. The Miguel Malvar also carries two propeller blades originally intended for the former ROKS Chungju, which was transferred from the Republic of Korea Navy to the Philippine Navy in 2019 and renamed BRP Conrado Yap. The inclusion of these components is seen as a meaningful symbol of the close naval partnership and enduring friendship between Korea and the Philippines.

2025-03-31

HD Hyundai Launches Joint Keel-Laying Ceremony for Four Naval Vessels in Peru

HD Hyundai Launches Joint Keel-Laying Ceremony for Four Naval Vessels in PeruHD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has officially marked the start of its major naval project in Peru, signaling the beginning of Korea’s defense industry expansion into Latin America.On January 10, 2025 (local time), HD HHI held a joint keel-laying and steel-cutting ceremony at SIMA Shipyard, Peru’s state-owned naval shipbuilder, for four vessels to be delivered to the Peruvian Navy. The project covers three ship types—a frigate, an offshore patrol vessel, and a landing ship—totaling four units.The event was attended by Peruvian President Dina Boluarte, Minister of Defense Walter Astudillo, Navy Commander Luis José Polar Figari, Chief of Naval Staff César Ernesto Colunge Pinto, and HD HHI’s Head of Special & Naval Ship Business Unit, Joo Won-ho.The ships will be constructed locally at SIMA facilities, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2026. HD HHI will provide advanced design expertise and production know-how, while also partnering with local Peruvian equipment suppliers to strengthen productivity and competitiveness in Peru’s shipbuilding sector.This “Peru Naval Project” stems from a ₩640.6 billion (approx. USD 480 million) contract signed in April 2024. As a result of coordinated efforts between the Korean government and industry under the “Team Korea” framework, the deal is regarded as a model case for future overseas defense exports.President Dina Boluarte expressed her confidence at the ceremony, stating: “With this keel-laying, I believe the project to build ships that will safeguard Peru’s maritime sovereignty will progress smoothly.” HD HHI’s Joo Won-ho added: “Today marks the opening chapter of Korea’s naval shipbuilding presence in Latin America. Based on technology and trust, we are committed to successfully executing this project and further strengthening defense cooperation between Korea and Peru.” As part of broader defense collaboration, HD HHI is also supporting a Naval Architecture Training Program in partnership with the University of Ulsan. Beginning January 13, 12 engineers from SIMA Shipyard will undergo a two-week training course in Korea to enhance technical expertise. Looking ahead, HD HHI plans to expand its “Pan-Pacific Belt Vision”, establishing regional hubs in Peru, the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. The strategy includes local partnerships, joint shipbuilding, and standardized technology transfer packages, reinforcing the company’s leadership in global naval shipbuilding.

2025-01-17

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Delivers State-of-the-Art Aegis Destroyer Jeongjo the Great to ROK Navy

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Delivers State-of-the-Art Aegis Destroyer Jeongjo the Great to ROK NavyHD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has officially handed over the ROKS Jeongjo the Great (DDG), Korea’s newest world-class Aegis destroyer, to the Republic of Korea Navy.On November 27, HD HHI held a delivery signing ceremony at its Ulsan headquarters for the 8,200-ton Jeongjo the Great, the first ship of the KDX-III Batch-II class. The event was attended by Cho Hyun-ki, Director General of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s Force Support Program, Rear Admiral Kwak Kwang-seop, Director of Naval Headquarters’ Plans and Management, Rear Admiral Park Tae-kyu, Commander of the Navy’s 8th Combat Training Squadron, as well as Ulsan City Council Vice Chairman Kim Jong-seop. From HD HHI, CEO Lee Sang-gyun and Vice President Joo Won-ho, Head of the Special & Naval Ship Business Unit, joined the ceremony.Also present were international dignitaries including U.S. Consul General Nolan Barkhouse, Ecuadorian Ambassador to Korea Patricio Esteban Troya Suarez, Polish Chargé d’Affaires Artur Gradziuk, and representatives from Morocco, Chile, Thailand, and Peru, among others—over 20 officials from seven countries who came to witness the excellence of Korean naval shipbuilding. Following the ceremony, the guests toured the yard to view the new frigate ROKS Chungnam, which is scheduled for Navy delivery next month.The Jeongjo the Great is the fourth Aegis destroyer designed and built in Korea with indigenous technology. It is equipped with the latest Aegis Combat System, multifunction phased-array radar, Korea’s independently developed integrated sonar suite, the Korean Vertical Launching System (KVLS), and ballistic missile interceptors, giving it full-spectrum capability to detect, track, and intercept ballistic missiles.Construction milestones include the contract signing in 2019, keel laying in 2021, and launch in July 2022. The ship successfully completed more than 550 rigorous trials, including maximum speed tests, before timely delivery to the Navy.With this achievement, HD HHI further enhances its reputation for excellence in performance, cost control, and delivery schedules. The ship follows on-time deliveries of key naval assets including the ROKS Cheonan and ROKS Chuncheon frigates and the 3,000-ton submarine ROKS Shin Chae-ho. The Jeongjo the Great attracted wide international attention during its construction, with visits from major global defense officials, including U.S. Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.Joo Won-ho, Head of HD HHI’s Special & Naval Ship Business Unit, said: “We are proud to deliver one of the world’s most advanced Aegis destroyers through close collaboration with DAPA, the Navy, ADD, and DTaQ. HD Hyundai will continue to work with the government as ‘Team Korea, Team Shipbuilding’ to drive K-defense exports worldwide.” Looking ahead, HD HHI is preparing for the launch of the second Batch-II destroyer next year, has already begun construction of the third unit, and continues to lead naval exports, including the upcoming delivery of a Philippine offshore patrol vessel and joint development of four naval ships for Peru.

2024-11-27