| Date | July 31, 2026 |
| Country | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
| Force | Navy |
| Location |
Seoul, South Korea
37.55, 127.00 |
| Ship Class | KDDX |
| Event type | Ordered |
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced on 31 July 2026 that it had signed a 838 billion won contract with Hanwha Ocean covering detailed design and construction of the lead ship of the KDDX next-generation destroyer, with work running through 30 June 2032. The signature moves the KRW 7.8 trillion (about 5.7 billion dollars) programme for six 6,000-tonne destroyers out of the selection phase, following Hanwha Ocean's designation as preferred bidder on 1 July 2026 ahead of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. KDDX will be the first Korean destroyer built around a wholly indigenous combat system and radar, and adds a digital twin framework and a multi-layered anti-drone suite. Delivery of the first ship is planned for 2032.
DAPA and Hanwha Ocean signed on 31 July for the detailed design and construction of the KDDX lead ship, unlocking a 7.8-trillion-won programme for six destroyers built around an entirely Korean combat system.