HD HHI's HDF-6000 Frigate for Royal Saudi Navy

Interview with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries during World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Korean shipbuilder is proposing the advanced HDF-6000 frigate to the Royal Saudi Navy for their next generation frigate requirement. ===================== HDF-6000 is a high-end, 6,500-ton frigate specialized for long-endurance, long-range blue-water operations. The vessel features a reduced radar cross-section (RCS) hull design that maximizes stealth performance, and it is equipped with capabilities for ballistic missile detection, tracking, and interception. Built on the hull of the ROK Navy’s KDX-II, frequently deployed for Escort Task Group in the waters off Somalia, the HDF-6000 incorporates a large stern flap, which contributes to improved stability in high sea states, particularly enhancing helicopter operation safety. Additionally, in line with its focus on operational efficiency and acoustic discretion, a hybrid propulsion system is also being considered for the HDF-6000, enabling improved fuel economy and reduced noise signature during low-speed operations. The crew accommodation areas were designed with reference to European naval standards, aiming to reduce crew fatigue during prolonged deployments. The frigate measures 139 meters in length and 18.6 meters in beam. To support its ballistic missile defense (BMD) capability, the ship is equipped with an integrated mast and is designed to host a dual-band C/X-band fixed multi-function radar (MFR). Its electronic warfare suite includes Radar/Communications-ESM, ECM, ELINT, and COMINT systems. The vertical launch system (VLS) consists of 48 cells capable of launching a range of missiles for air defense, ballistic missile interception, and deep strike missions. The ship is armed with a 76mm main gun and eight surface-to-surface missiles (SSMs) on inclined launchers. A 35mm close-in weapon system (CIWS) is installed at the stern, and to counter the growing threat of unmanned systems, the ship is fitted with Anti-Drone Systems (ADS) on both port and starboard sides. Additional armament and sensors include lightweight torpedo launchers and a large bow-mounted hull sonar, complemented by a towed array sonar system at the stern. ===================== For new videos every week, subscribe here! http://www.youtube.com/c/NavalNews?su... Follow us on Twitter:   / navalnewscom   Follow us on LinkedIn:   / navalnews   Like us on Facebook: http://fb.me/navalnewscom Check out our daily naval defense news coverage at: https://www.navalnews.com/ NAVAL NEWS is fully focused on naval topics. We cover the latest naval defense shows & events. We also report on naval technology from all over the world. Navalnews.com is updated daily with in-depth features, industry, and naval forces news round-ups, event coverage, video reports and more. Our top of the line site is responsive across all mobile and desktop devices.