South Korea kicks off build of next-generation combat support ship

A steel-cutting ceremony was held in southern South Korea on Wednesday, April 29, marking the official start of construction of a new naval combat support ship, the country’s arms procurement agency announced, as cited by Korean media.

The event for South Korea’s second auxiliary oil, ammunition and equipment (AOE-II) vessel took place at a Hanwha Ocean Co. shipyard in Geoje, located about 400 kilometres south of Seoul, according to a statement released by the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

The second AOE program, valued at 531.5 billion won (approximately $360 million), was launched in 2024 to build a follow-on ship to the 10,000-ton logistics support vessel Soyang, which entered service in 2018.

The new ship is being designed with advanced systems, including a domestically developed integrated engineering control system that will manage propulsion, electrical power, and auxiliary equipment through a single network, a feature intended to enhance operational safety and efficiency.

DAPA said the vessel will also be equipped with an upgraded video surveillance system capable of automatically detecting emergencies such as fires or crew members falling, improving onboard safety monitoring.

In addition, the ship is expected to feature enhanced crew accommodations and overall safety measures, including noise-reduction technologies aimed at creating a more comfortable living environment for personnel.

The agency noted that the launch of construction is likely to support the expansion of South Korea’s shipbuilding sector, particularly by creating further opportunities in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) projects in the future.

By Tamilla Hasanova