HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said it will participate in the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and step up efforts to win Saudi Arabia’s next-generation frigate program under the kingdom’s navy modernisation drive.
The company plans to brief key Saudi Ministry of National Defense and naval officials on a package approach covering design, construction and program management. It will also present its experience in local construction and maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) through Peru’s SIMA Shipyard.
A key focus is the 6,000-tonnes export frigate HDF-6000, one of eight warship types the company intends to unveil. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said the design is based on its technology and know-how built through consecutive construction of the Sejong the Great-class destroyer and the Jeongjo the Great-class destroyer, described as world-class Aegis destroyers. The company positions the HDF-6000 as an Aegis-class frigate that is larger than existing frigates and upgrades onboard equipment and performance.
To align with Saudi policy to raise the local production ratio, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries said it will present a local construction plan in Saudi Arabia. If it secures the frigate order, the company is considering a phased increase in local construction share for the HDF-6000 centred on Saudi IMI Shipyard, which is jointly invested in by HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and Saudi state-owned Aramco.
At WDS 2026, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will operate a joint pavilion with LIG Nex1, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and EOST to showcase warship construction technology and maritime defense capabilities. Held every two years, WDS this year includes 770 defense companies from 76 countries and is expected to draw more than 100,000 visitors, bringing together decision-makers from the Middle East and the wider global defense market.
During the show, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries will sign a joint MOU with the Saudi Ministry of Investment and 12 domestic companies—including LIG Nex1 and STX Engine—to build a local supply chain. The parties aim to prepare cooperation plans for the Saudi Industrial Participation Program (IPP) and pursue a coordinated push into the Saudi market.
Joo Won-ho, president of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, said the company will work to secure Saudi Arabia’s next-generation frigate program through a local construction and industrial cooperation strategy that leverages IMI, described as the largest shipyard in the Middle East and North Africa.
