HD Hyundai-Philippines

▲ HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun (R) shakes hands with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. during their meeting in Seoul on Sept. 7, 2026, in this photo provided by HD Hyundai. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

By Kim Eun-jung

SEOUL, Sept. 8 (Yonhap) -- HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun has met with Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. to discuss expanding cooperation in shipbuilding and the defense industry, the South Korean shipbuilding group said Tuesday.

Chung met with Teodoro Jr. on Monday during the Philippine defense chief's visit to South Korea to attend the Seoul Defense Dialogue.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed their ongoing defense cooperation and agreed on the need to deepen ties in support of the Philippine Navy's modernization efforts, building on their partnership that began with a frigate contract in 2016.

HD Hyundai has so far secured orders for 12 naval vessels from the Philippines, six of which have been delivered.

The company has also expanded into commercial shipbuilding in the country.

In September last year, HD Hyundai Philippines began construction of its first commercial vessel at its shipyard in Subic Bay. The vessel was recently launched and is scheduled to be delivered to the shipowner next year, according to the company.

(END)

[Copyright ⓒ K-VIBE. All rights reserved. Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution are prohibited.]