HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is set to aggressively pursue Saudi Arabia’s next-generation frigate program by showcasing its advanced naval capabilities at the World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, the largest defense exhibition in the Middle East. The event takes place this week.
The leading Korean shipbuilder announced its participation in the biennial event, running from Sunday to Thursday.
The World Defense Show 2026 is expected to attract over 100,000 visitors and host approximately 770 defense companies from 76 countries globally.
With Saudi Arabia actively undertaking a significant naval modernization initiative, including the acquisition of new frigates, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will present a comprehensive range of eight vessel types at the show. The highlight will be its 6,000-ton export-model frigate, the HDF-6000.
Leveraging its extensive experience in developing the Sejong the Great-class and Jeongjo the Great-class destroyers, the company stated that the HDF-6000 has been upgraded to an Aegis-class-level platform, offering superior combat capabilities.
The company will also promote a comprehensive naval modernization package, encompassing design, construction, and lifecycle services, including maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO).
Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s industrial participation policy, which mandates at least 60 percent local production, HD Hyundai plans a phased expansion of localization for the HDF-6000. This effort will be primarily focused on the International Maritime Industries (IMI) shipyard, a joint venture between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Saudi Aramco.
During the exhibition, HD Hyundai will collaborate with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment and 12 Korean companies – including LIG Nex1 and STX Engine – to facilitate the establishment of a robust local defense supply chain.
“The HDF-6000 is particularly significant as it closely aligns with Saudi Arabia’s localization strategy,” said Joo Won-ho, President of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
“We are committed to securing the frigate contract through local construction and strategic partnerships centered around the IMI shipyard, which is the largest of its kind in the Middle East and North Africa.”
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