Tag Archives: Daegu-class

Navy

Eighth Daegu Frigate

According to Naval News, Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) launched the eighth FFX Batch-II (Daegu-class) frigate, the ROKS Chuncheon (FFG-827), on March 22, local time, in its Ulsan shipyard.

ROKS Chuncheon (FFG-827)
Hyundai Heavy Industries Launches Eighth Daegu Class Frigate

«The ROKS Chuncheon’s offensive capabilities against submerged and surface targets has been greatly improved», said the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) director of combatant forces, Jeong Yeong-soon. «The ship’s enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities, in particular, will help defend the Northern Limit Line».

«The ROKN has relentlessly prepared for the future since its founding, producing both warships and competent personnel. Our maritime sovereignty will remain unchallenged as we continue to develop state-of-the-art multi-dimensional combat capabilities», said Admiral Kim Jung-soo, ROKN Chief of Naval Operations.

The ROKS Chuncheon (FFG-827) will be brought into service by late 2023, replacing the 1,500-ton and 1,000-ton corvettes operated by the ROKN.

The first ship of the class, ROKS Daegu (FFG-818), built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), was launched in June 2016 and commissioned in March 2018. ROKS Gyeongnam (FFG-819), the second ship of the class also built by DSME, was launched in June 2019 and commissioned in January 2021. The third and fourth ships, ROKS Seoul (FFG-821) and ROKS Donghae (FFG-822), were built by HHI and launched in November 2019 and April 2020 respectively. DSME launched the fifth and sixth ships of the class in May and September last year while HHI launched the seventh one last November.

Navy

Daegu-class frigate

According to Navy Recognition, South Korea held a ceremony launching a new frigate ROKS Cheonan (FFG-826) named after a warship torpedoed by North Korea in 2010, the Navy and state arms procurement agency said, Cheonan, took place at the shipyard of Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. in Ulsan.

ROKS Cheonan (FFG-826)
Daegu-class frigate ROKS Cheonan (FFG-826)

The Daegu-class frigate is a class of guided-missile frigates of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The Daegu-class is based on the preceding Incheon-class frigate and has otherwise been referred to as an Incheon-class batch II, or FFG-II.

Eight Daegu-class ships are planned, with the final goal of 20-22 frigates (of all types) in the ROKN. The Daegu-class frigates are to be built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and Hyundai Heavy Industries.

The Daegu-class is the first Korean warship to be equipped with a combined diesel-electric or gas (CODLOG) propulsion system. The propulsion system of the ROKN ships has a gas turbine direct drive and four high-speed diesel generators driving two Leonardo DRS permanent magnet electric motors.

The Daegu-class frigate is armed with one 5-inch (127-mm)/L62 caliber Mk-45 Mod 4 naval gun, one 20-mm Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System), two triple torpedo tubes for K745 Blue Shark torpedo, eight SSM-700K Haeseong Anti-ship Missile and 16-cell K-VLS (Vertical Launching System) able to launch Haegung K-SAAM surface-to-air missile, Haeryong VL-Tactical anti-ship cruise Missiles and K-ASROC Red Shark anti-submarine missile.

Navy

Seoul Frigate

According to Navy Recognition, South Korea launched a new frigate the ROKS Seoul (FFG-821) on Monday, November 11 2019, featuring advanced sonar and power systems to boost anti-submarine capabilities in coastal operations.

The new FFG-II Seoul Frigate launched on November 11 2019 (source: South Korean Navy)

The launch ceremony for the 2,800-ton FFG-II Seoul took place at Hyundai Heavy Industries Co.’s shipyard in the southeastern port city of Ulsan, according to the Navy. It is the third frigate to be built under the project to secure a second batch of such vessels to replace the Navy’s aging frigates and patrol combat corvettes.

The 122-meter-long/400-foot-long ship is equipped with guided missiles and guns and can carry a helicopter for marine operations, the Navy said. The latest version, in particular, boasts advanced anti-submarine patrol and combat capabilities, as it employs an advanced sonar system as well as a hybrid propulsion system that reduces the level of noise the vessel makes underwater, it added.

It will be delivered to the military in early 2021 after additional preparations are completed, and several more vessels of this class will be built by the early 2020s, according to the Navy. Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo attended the ceremony and celebrated the launch of the new frigate as well as the 74th anniversary of the foundation of the Navy.

«Uncertainties in regional maritime security situations have continued due to feuds over maritime jurisdiction and freedom of navigation. … Under these circumstances, we should secure more powerful naval capabilities», Jeong said in his congratulatory remarks. «We will firmly protect national security and maritime sovereignty by perfectly carrying out all missions in seas surrounding the Korean Peninsula and the world», he added.