South Korean Navy commissions its first next-generation Aegis destroyer
Asia-Pacific, News December 11, 2024 No Comments on South Korean Navy commissions its first next-generation Aegis destroyer3 minute read
South Korea’s Navy completed the commission of ROKS Jeongjo the Great, the first ship in a new class of guided-missile destroyers equipped with the advanced Aegis combat system.
ROKS Jeongjo the Great has been constructed by Hyundai Heavy Industries at the Ulsan facility and it is South Korea’s largest surface combatant to date. Delivered in late October, the 8,200-ton vessel represents the KDX-III Batch II class, marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to counter growing threats from North Korea.
At 170 meters long, the destroyer is equipped with state-of-the-art weaponry and systems, making it a cornerstone in Seoul’s defense strategy. The ship’s construction was initiated in October 2019, with its launch following on July 28, 2022.
The destroyer is armed with a wide array of weaponry, including SM-3 and SM-6 missiles for air defense, anti-ship missiles, and surface-to-surface missiles. It also features a 5-inch naval gun, a close-in weapon system, and robust anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
The vessel incorporates the Korean Vertical Launching System II (KVLS-II), a first for South Korean destroyers, enabling it to respond more effectively to evolving threats.
ROKS Jeongjo also boasts a domestically developed integrated sonar system and advanced habitability features, such as enhanced crew compartment spaces and a wireless communication network that allows personnel to stay connected using smart devices.
The ROKS Jeongjo the Great is designed to play a crucial role in South Korea’s Three-Axis Defense System, a triad of interconnected initiatives aimed at neutralizing North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats. According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the ship’s enhanced detection, tracking, and interception capabilities make it an essential asset in protecting South Korea against potential provocations.
Commodore Shin Hyun-Seung, head of DAPA’s Shipbuilding Division, lauded the destroyer’s advanced capabilities. “Jeongjo the Great is equipped with the latest Aegis combat system, an integrated sonar system developed domestically, and a Korean vertical launching system, so it can respond to various threats such as ballistic missiles, and is expected to play a strong role as a guardian of our national security,” he said in a statement.
In a statement, the South Korean Navy emphasized the vessel’s strategic value by stating “We evaluate that the Jeongjo the Great, which is equipped with the ability to intercept ballistic missiles and strike enemy leadership and key strategic targets, will demonstrate a strong deterrent against North Korea to repel enemy provocations in the event of an emergency.”
Improved performance
The ROKS Jeongjo the Great offers significant improvements over its predecessor, the KDX-III Batch I class, which saw three vessels commissioned between 2008 and 2012.
Compared to the earlier 7,600-ton destroyers, this new class is stealthier and more heavily armed, underscoring South Korea’s commitment to advancing its naval technology.
DAPA highlighted the advancements, stating that the ship’s “combat capabilities have dramatically improved” compared to the older class.
The second destroyer from the same class is scheduled to launch in 2024, while construction on the third vessel began on October 17, 2023. These two upcoming ships are expected to be delivered by 2026 and 2027, further solidifying the country’s naval strength.
The Jeongjo the Great will undergo approximately one year of operational training before being fully deployed in late 2025.
Related Articles
Publications
IRIA Defense Review
Defense Exercises
IRIA Exclusive
Infographics
Leave a comment