HD HHI Unveils New HDF-6000 Export Frigate at MADEX 2025

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At MADEX 2025, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries unveiled a new frigate, HDF-6000, designed for the global naval defense market, showcasing the new model alongside recently exported vessels that have received positive feedback from international clients.

HDF-6000 on HD HHI booth at MADEX 2025.

HDF-6000 features hangar to operate single helicopter and mission bay capable of accomodating unmanned systems

Among the new platforms introduced was the HDF-6000, a new 6,500-ton export-class frigate. Unlike the previous 3,000-ton class frigates exported to the Philippines and Peru, the HDF-6000 is significantly larger and designed to perform a wider range of missions. Developed in-house by HD Hyundai for blue-water operations, the HDF-6000 is based on the hull of the Republic of Korea Navy’s KDX-II (DDH-II) Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyer. Above the waterline, its design integrates the expertise HD Hyundai acquired through leading the basic design of the KDDX program.

According to HD Hyundai engineer who took part in the project, the HDF-6000 is a high-end, 6,500-ton frigate specialized for long-endurance, long-range blue-water operations. The vessel features a reduced radar cross-section (RCS) hull design that maximizes stealth performance, and it is equipped with capabilities for ballistic missile detection, tracking, and interception. Built on the hull of the ROK Navy’s DDH-II, frequently deployed for Escort Task Group in the waters off Somalia, the HDF-6000 incorporates a large stern flap, which contributes to improved stability in high sea states, particularly enhancing helicopter operation safety. Additionally, in line with its focus on operational efficiency and acoustic discretion, a hybrid propulsion system is also being considered for the HDF-6000, enabling improved fuel economy and reduced noise signature during low-speed operations.

The crew accommodation areas were designed with reference to European naval standards, aiming to reduce crew fatigue during prolonged deployments. The frigate measures 139 meters in length and 18.6 meters in beam. To support its ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability, the ship is equipped with an integrated mast and is designed to host a dual-band C/X-band fixed multi-function radar (MFR). Its electronic warfare suite includes Radar/Communications-ESM, ECM, ELINT, and COMINT systems.

HDF-6000 on HD HHI booth at MADEX 2025.

CIWS above the hangar and two anti drone system on both sides

The vertical launch system (VLS) consists of 46 cells capable of launching a range of missiles for air defense, ballistic missile interception, and deep strike missions. The ship is armed with a 76mm main gun and eight surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) on inclined launchers. A 35mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) is installed at the stern, and to counter the growing threat of unmanned systems, the ship is fitted with Anti-Drone Systems (ADS) on both port and starboard sides. Additional armament and sensors include lightweight torpedo launchers and a large bow-mounted hull sonar, complemented by a towed array sonar system at the stern.

While the current design of the HDF-6000 has been unveiled, the selection of specific sensors and weapon systems remains open to accommodate customer preferences. As an export-oriented frigate, the platform is designed with flexibility in mind, and HD HHI is considering various suppliers to meet diverse client requirements. In line with this export flexibility, HD Hyundai signed MOUs with leading European defense firms such as Thales and Leonardo during MADEX 2025, establishing strategic partnerships that will enable the integration of a wide range of sensor and weapon systems tailored to customer needs.

Check out our video coverage of HD HHI’s new ship designs at MADEX 2025:

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This article was curated by memoment.jp from the feed source: Naval News.

Original article: https://www.navalnews.com/event-news/madex-2025/2025/06/hd-hhi-unveils-new-hdf-6000-export-frigate-at-madex-2025/

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