Babcock, Hyundai Heavy to build S. Korea’s 1st aircraft carrier

UK-based aerospace, defense and security company Babcock has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) to build South Korea’s first light aircraft carrier.

The partners will cooperate on the country’s CVX Aircraft Carrier Programme which is scheduled for completion in 2033.

Babcock’s established in-country business, Babcock Korea, is expected to contribute the program from concept, to design and build, to ongoing operational support of naval assets in the Republic of Korea.

Furthermore, the company reinforced its support to the Korean Ministry of National Defence (MND) through investment in an assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Busan, where Babcock currently assembles equipment for a growing number of naval programs.

“Through this MoU, we will establish a stable foundation to integrate … technology into the Republic of Korea’s first light Aircraft Carrier build. Furthermore, the capability of both companies will help to grow future technology opportunities in the global market,” Sam-Hyun Ka, CEO of Korean Shipbuilding and Offshore Engineering (KSOE),  the holding company of HHI commented.

“As a member of the Aircraft Carrier Alliance, Babcock helped build the Royal Navy’s cutting-edge Queen Elizabeth Class Carriers, some of the world’s most advanced ships, and the prospect of bringing their knowledge and expertise together with HHI through this MoU on Carrier Design is very exciting,” Brigadier Mike Murdoch, MOD Defence Attaché to the Republic of Korea said.

In February 2021, HHI started building the first upgraded Sejong the Great-class (KDX-III) Batch-II guided-missile destroyer for Korean Navy.