HD Hyundai Heavy Industries NAVAL & MEDIUM SIZE SHIPS

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is participating in the World Defense Show 2026 (WDS 2026), the Middle East’s largest international defense exhibition, held in Riyadh from February 8 to 12.

At the exhibition, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is presenting a lineup of eight advanced naval platforms, including the 6000-ton class export frigate HDF-6000, specifically tailored to meet the requirements of the Saudi defense market.

The company’s exhibit is part of a joint showcase with key Korean defense partners, including LIG Nex1, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and EOST, where they are jointly demonstrating cutting-edge shipbuilding technologies and comprehensive maritime defense capabilities.

WDS 2026 is attracting wide global participation, with approximately 770 defense exhibitors from more than 76 countries and over 100,000 visitors expected during the event, bringing together key decision-makers from the Middle East and international defense communities.

As Saudi Arabia pursues a major naval modernization program that includes the acquisition of new warships, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is strengthening its engagement with the Saudi defense sector. The company is also emphasizing “package solutions” that integrate design, construction, and project management capabilities — including localized production and maintenance-repair-overhaul (MRO) services — to support lifecycle needs.

In line with Saudi Arabia’s industrial localization policies, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is proposing phased localization strategies optimized for local construction, including potential cooperation through International Maritime Industries (IMI) — a shipyard venture involving Saudi Aramco and other partners — to progressively expand local build content.

During the event, the company signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and 12 Korean partner firms to jointly develop a local supply chain, supporting compliance with Saudi localization requirements and strengthening competitiveness in the region.

Mr. Joo Won-ho, President of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Naval & Medium Ships Business Unit, noted that showcasing the Saudi-optimized HDF-6000 at one of the world’s leading defense exhibitions demonstrates the company’s strategic intent and reinforces its commitment to supporting the Saudi naval modernization program.