Hanwha Ocean unveiled a next‑generation strategic surface warship designed for multi‑domain operations, outlining a new direction for South Korea’s maritime defense industry.
The company hosted the “3rd Next‑Generation Smart Ship Technology Forum” on October 14 at The Plaza Hotel in Seoul, attended by about 100 domestic and international officials and experts, including lawmaker Seo Il‑joon and former Chief of Naval Operations Bu Seok‑jong. The forum focused on advances in smart ship technologies and the evolving role of future warships.
At the event, Eo Seong‑cheol, head of Hanwha Ocean’s Special Ship Division, formally revealed the new strategic surface combatant and explained its development rationale and key features. He described the vessel as a future‑oriented platform built to respond to shifting global security dynamics and intensified maritime competition, and said it will mark a new milestone for the Republic of Korea Navy.
The warship is engineered for combat effectiveness and survivability across sea, air, space and cyber domains. It emphasizes operational efficiency and mission flexibility to secure an advantage in diverse battle environments.
Design highlights include an advanced hull form distinct from conventional surface ships, a wave‑piercing bow for stable navigation in rough seas, and a tumble‑home profile to significantly enhance stealth. The platform achieves strong combat capability without substantially increasing hull size, and integrates artificial intelligence and automation to enable prolonged operations with minimal crew.
Defensive systems are layered to counter a range of threats including ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial systems, while networked, real‑time data sharing and command systems support rapid decision‑making. The ship incorporates ultra‑high‑strength steel for impact‑reinforced structures and stealth features, a smart bridge to accelerate decision processes, and ergonomic accommodations for crew welfare. A configurable mission bay supports multiple unmanned systems to increase adaptability in future battlefields.
Hanwha Ocean said it plans to further develop the platform into a core naval asset for the next 20–30 years and nurture it as an exportable representative of K‑maritime defense.
