Hanwha Ocean chosen as preferred negotiator for Korea's KDDX destroyer program

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration selected Hanwha Ocean as the preferred negotiation partner for the detailed design and lead‑ship construction of the Korean Next‑Generation Destroyer (KDDX) program. The KDDX project, valued at about 7.8 trillion won, aims to build six 7,000‑ton “mini‑Aegis” destroyers using domestic technology.

Hanwha Ocean edged out HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in the evaluation, winning by roughly 0.59 points. Hyundai’s score was reduced by a 1.2‑point security penalty after its staff were convicted of leaking classified project information. The selection closes a two‑year delay in the procurement process and moves the program into contract‑negotiation phase. Hanwha pledged a strong sense of responsibility and said it will negotiate in good faith to normalise the project timeline.

Hanwha highlighted its advanced capabilities—including integrated electric propulsion, integrated mast and network systems, and automation technologies—developed through previous concept‑design work and a next‑generation strategic surface ship that earned Lloyd’s Register certification. The firm expects the KDDX destroyers to match leading global naval vessels once completed.