SEOUL - The Republic of Korea (ROK) is considering deploying frigates near a set of disputed islets, called Dokdo in ROK and Takeshima in Japan, in response to Japan's renewed territorial claim over them, local media reported Tuesday.

ROK might deploy frigates currently under development near Ulleung Island, located 87 kilometers from the disputed outcroppings lying halfway between ROK and Japan, Yonhap News Agency reported citing an unspecified government source.

The government, with a goal of building 20 new frigates by 2018, plans to revamp port facilities on Ulleung Island to accommodate the ships weighing between 2,300 tons and 2,500 tons, according to Yonhap.

The reported move comes after Japan described the islets as its territory in school textbooks, accusing ROK for illegally occupying them.

ROK, which has a coast guard unit stationed on the islets, said it will seek ways to strengthen its effective control over them.