The Republic of Korea Navy has selected Rolls-Royce to supply propulsion systems for its Ulsan-class frigates.
This supports the integration of the London-based company’s proven MT30 marine gas turbine, associated controllable pitch propellers, and diesel generator sets.
The package will be fitted into all six next-generation Ulsan warships outlined in Seoul’s $3-billion investment announced in 2021.
Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean will assemble the first two vessels under the initiative.
Once equipped, a four-set diesel generator from the suite will power the Ulsans’ electric motors, constructed in partnership with Korean defense contractor STX-Engines.
The motors will be activated at the frigate’s cruising speed, while the turbine will run for high-speed sailing.
Rolls-Royce noted that the collaboration builds on its previous projects with Seoul, highlighting the MT30 technology’s installation into the East Asian country’s eight Daegu-class guided-missile frigates and six Chungnam-class anti-submarine warfare frigates.
“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, [Defense Acquisition Program Administration], and [HD Hyundai Heavy Industries],” Rolls-Royce Business Development & Future Programs’ Jongyel Lee commented.
“This partnership will ensure our customers can retain their military advantage through future technology insertion, without having to endure costly upgrades to legacy power generation capability throughout the life of their ships.”
© 2025, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
