HJ Shipbuilding & Construction (HJSC) has announced that it has won a KRW 124.7 billion contract from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to lead the performance upgrade and system development for 18 guided missile fast attack crafts (PKGs) for the ROK Navy. The upgrades are expected to significantly enhance the performance and operational capabilities of these missile boats, which play a key role as the forward force of the naval fleet.
Drawing on its extensive technical expertise and business capabilities, the global shipbuilder is also preparing to enter the U.S. Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) market. With the support of remarks from the Trump administration about strengthening ties with the Korean shipbuilding industry, the company’s MRO initiatives are expected to gain significant momentum.
The Patrol Killer Guided-missile (PKG) is a 440-ton fast attack craft (PKX-A) developed by the ROK Navy to replace older high-speed vessels. The South Korean shipbuilding company was responsible for constructing eight of these ships, including the first Yoon Yeong-ha-class guided missile ship, which was built in 2008. By 2018, a total of 18 PKGs had been commissioned into service.
The PKGs feature domestically developed combat systems, hull fire barriers, stealth technology, and water-jet propulsion, making them significantly more powerful, maneuverable, and survivable compared to the older Chamsuri-class patrol boats (PKMR). Since their deployment, they have proven to be a highly effective next-generation fast attack craft, capable of carrying out anti-ship, anti-air, and electronic warfare missions.
However, due to aging and the discontinuation of some parts, there has been an increasing need to upgrade their combat systems and equipment. In response, the DAPA and the ROK Navy have initiated a performance upgrade project to replace outdated equipment with the latest domestic technology, aiming to improve the combat effectiveness of the fleet.
With its unmatched expertise and experience in fast attack craft, the multinational shipbuilder is set to further solidify its reputation as a leading defense contractor. In addition to upgrading the 18 guided missile fast attack crafts it originally built, the company will now take on the entire upgrade project, covering everything from design and construction to maintenance and system enhancements. HJSC also secured the performance upgrade project for the ROK Navy’s first large transport ship, the Dokdo, in 2022.
An official from HJSC stated, “As the first domestic defense company established in 1974, we have provided total solutions to our clients for over 50 years, based on our accumulated technological expertise and know-how, including the design, construction, maintenance, performance upgrades, and production of combat systems for advanced vessels.”
He continued, “Through this fast attack craft upgrade project, which will run through 2030, as well as our expansion into the overseas MRO market—considered a key future growth area—we aim to further enhance our competitiveness in the maritime defense industry.”