Seoul: Hanwha Ocean Co. is widely expected to be named for the country's next-generation Navy destroyer project, worth 7.8 trillion won (US$5.1 billion), surpassing its rival HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., industry sources said Thursday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, earlier this year, the two shipyards were shortlisted as candidates to lead the Korea Destroyer Next Generation project. This project aims to build six warships utilizing homegrown technologies, focusing on enhancing the nation's defense capabilities.

The project envisions the construction of 6,000-ton-class Aegis destroyers, which are anticipated to become a future strategic asset for the Navy. These destroyers are expected to possess capabilities comparable to the Navy's most powerful Aegis destroyer, the 7,100-ton King Sejong the Great.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration is expected to soon announce the preferred bidder for the project, marking a significant step forward in Korea's naval advancement strategy.