Hanwha Ocean named preferred bidder for South Korea’s KDDX destroyer program

July 2, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

South Korean shipbuilding major Hanwha Ocean has been selected as the preferred bidder for the detailed design and construction of the lead ship under South Korea’s next-generation KDDX destroyer program.

The company said it was notified by the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on July 1 that it had been chosen as the preferred bidder for the project.

Hanwha Ocean stated that the contract value and project timeline have not yet been determined and will be finalized through consultations between the parties.

The company added that a final contract will be signed after negotiations on the detailed terms of the agreement. It said it will issue a further disclosure once the contract details have been finalized.

The KDDX program is South Korea’s next-generation destroyer initiative, with the lead ship contract covering the vessel’s detailed design and initial construction phase. The country plans to build six next-generation destroyers incorporating domestically developed technologies.

DAPA aims to conclude the contract with Hanwha Ocean by the end of next month. The first vessel in the KDDX program is scheduled for delivery to the South Korean Navy by the end of 2032.

DAPA also noted that procurement of the remaining five ships is expected to begin from late 2028, with deliveries targeted through 2036. In similar programs, the contractor awarded the lead ship often goes on to secure follow-on orders.

A DAPA official said the agency would continue managing the project in accordance with applicable laws and procedures, adding that it would work to ensure the program proceeds without delays to the planned delivery schedule.