ROK Navy picks Rolls-Royce’s engines to power Ulsan-class frigates

Rolls-Royce has revealed that its MT30 marine gas turbine and controllable pitch propellers, as well as mtu powered diesel generator sets, have been selected for the Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROK Navy) FFX Batch IV frigates, known as the Ulsan-class frigates.

Each frigate will be equipped with a single MT30 gas turbine and electric propulsion motors in a hybrid configuration. The gas turbine enables high-speed operations, while electric motors, powered by four mtu 12V4000 M43 diesel generators, are said to provide efficient cruising capability. These diesel generator sets are assembled in South Korea by STX-Engines under license from Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems division.

The first two vessels will be built by South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean.

The Ulsan-class Batch-IV frigates, six of which are to be built in total, are set to play a critical role in the future of the South Korean Navy.

According to Hanwha Ocean, the ships will retain the same displacement and external appearance as the previous Batch-III ships (the fifth and sixth ships). However, the new frigates will also incorporate significant technological upgrades, including smart systems that set them apart from their predecessors.

Key advancements include a next-generation combat system, four types of enhanced weapons, and the integration of new technologies such as the close-in weapon system (CIWS) and electronic warfare equipment. In addition, the ships, dubbed ‘smart frigates’, will feature designs that minimize crew size while optimizing operational and living conditions.

Furthermore, Rolls-Royce’s propulsion systems will power all six Chungnam-class (FFX Batch III) and all eight Daegu-class (FFX Batch II) frigates, with additional turbines planned for the future Batch IV ships.

In total, Rolls-Royce will deliver 20 MT30 turbines across the three frigate classes. The standardized use of the MT30 is expected to simplify fleet maintenance, streamline crew training, and reduce logistical costs.

Rolls-Royce is also working closely with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) on the integration of the MT30 systems. HHI’s Engine and Machinery Division (HHI-EMD) will manufacture the integrated gas turbine enclosures and associated systems domestically, and will continue to provide in-service support.

“I am delighted that we have been given this opportunity to once again provide advanced power and propulsion capability to our customers, the Republic of Korea Navy, DAPA and HD HHI,” Jay Lee (Jongyel Lee), Rolls-Royce Vice President of Business Development & Future Programmes, Defence – Naval, Korea said.

“We are a long-term partner together with STX-Engines for the Korean Navy. Gensets based on mtu series 4000 are placed in most of the modern frigates and we are proud that we are together with our colleagues supplying mission critical components for the propulsion for the new frigate,” Knut Müller, Senior Vice President at Rolls-Royce’s Power Systems, added.

The Republic of Korea Navy first utilised the MT30 on their Daegu-class in 2018. In December 2024, the first ship of Chungnam-class Batch-III was handed over to the Republic of Korea Navy after successfully completing all tests.