South Korea’s Navy has taken delivery of its 8,200-ton Aegis destroyer lead ship from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).
The warship is the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy’s fourth Aegis destroyer, with the first building contract signed in 2019 between HHI and the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
Construction began in 2021 before being launched at the company shipyard in 2022. It completed tests to ensure the smooth integration of the US-supplied Aegis combat management system with ROK-made components.
The vessel is equipped with the HHI-developed integrated sonar system, multi-function phased array radar, Korea’s vertical launch system, and MH-60R maritime operation helicopter.
Representatives from seven countries, including defense partners such as the US, Poland, and Peru, attended the delivery ceremony; Warsaw has purchased battle tanks and howitzers, while Lima recently signed defense agreements with Seoul.
After the ceremony, the delegates witnessed the unveiling of the Chungnam-class (FFX-III) frigate set to be delivered to Seoul this month.
“It’s a great honor for HHI to successfully deliver the top-class Aegis destroyer ‘Jeongjo the Great,’” Head of Naval and Special Ships Joo Won Ho said.
“HHI remains committed to contributing to Korea’s defense exports with the ‘Team Korea, Team Ship’ efforts alongside government organizations.”
Jeongjo the Great sails with two additional Hybrid Electric Drives and its existing four gas turbine engines.
The ROK Navy’s latest destroyer is poised to become the “key capability of the maritime-based mobile three-axis system” against North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
The second ship is scheduled for launch in 2025. The third destroyer started its official construction in October.
