South Korean shipbuilder HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has secured an order for four additional high-speed patrol vessels to build for ROK Navy (ROKN).
As disclosed, HJSC signed a deal with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for four Geomdoksuri-B Batch-II patrol vessels. The contract is worth KRW 266.3 billion ($182.7 million).
The contract follows its selection as the preferred bidder after “a rigorous process involving technical negotiations and other formalities”, the company noted.
The new high-speed patrol boats will be advanced vessels designed to replace the aging Chamsuri-class patrol boats. They will be equipped with the latest combat systems, anti-missile decoy systems, and remote fire control.
After delivering all 16 units of the previous Geomdoksuri-B Batch-I model to the ROK Navy, the shipbuilding company secured eight additional units in the Geomdoksuri-B Batch-II project by the end of last year, followed by an additional four units this year.
HJSC is now responsible for constructing all 28 units of the new high-speed patrol boats, which are deployed as rapid-response forces for missions such as guarding the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in border areas and coastal defense operations.
Moreover, the firm is under contract for the construction of a 3,000-ton patrol vessel for the Coast Guard, the performance upgrade project for 18 guided missile fast attack crafts for the ROK Navy, depot maintenance projects for the ROK Navy’s Dokdo , and high-speed landing crafts.