Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) announced in July 2021 that it had signed a cooperation agreement with Hanjin Heavy Industries for the design and construction of a light aircraft carrier (CVX) for the Republic of Korea Navy.
DSME conducted a feasibility study for the CVX between 2015 and 2016 and has been conducting conceptual design on its own since then. The Republic of Korea Navy announced plans to acquire the CVX earlier in 2021.
Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction has experience of designing and building similar vessels, such as large amphibious ships, including the amphibious assault ships Dokdo and Marado.
Shortly after the Korean yards reached agreement, Babcock International Group, the aerospace, defence and security group based in the UK, signed a memorandum of understanding with another leading Korea yard, Hyundai Heavy Industries Co Ltd (HHI), affirming their intention to participate in the CVX project.
Babcock’s established in-country business in the Republic of Korea, Babcock Korea, has experience in through-life programme support from concept to design and build, to ongoing operational support of naval assets, in the Republic of Korea and its southeast Asian allies.
Babcock has reinforced its commitment to the Republic of Korea and its support to the Korean Ministry of National Defence through investment in an assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Busan, where it currently assembles equipment for a growing number of Republic of Korea naval programmes.
The agreement brings the two parties closer together, recognising that working collaboratively their individual expertise and capabilities can further support the design and build of the CVX.
Babcock chief corporate affairs officer John Howie said: “As a lead partner in the Aircraft Carrier Alliance that designed, built and delivered the Queen Elizabeth class carriers for the UK, we are delighted to be able to sign this memorandum of understanding with HHI.
“Babcock has the proven capabilities to deliver large scale complex programmes and, by affirming our already strong relationship with HHI, the world’s largest shipbuilder, our collaborative and complementary skills and expertise can deliver a cutting-edge sovereign aircraft carrier capability to the Republic of Korea.
“Babcock is committed to supporting Korean industry in delivering the CVX. We look forward to continuing to work closely with all stakeholders and partners involved in this effort.”
