HD Hyundai Starts Construction Of The Next Generation Aegis Destroyer For South Korea

JAKARTA - HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has officially started the construction of a second-generation destroyer equipped with the Aegis Combat System named Gwanggaeto-III Batch-II, which will be an important maritime force for the Korean Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system, the shipbuilder said this month.

The ship's laying ceremony was held at the company's shipyard in Ulsan, Tuesday last week. HD HHI explained that the ceremony marked the start of the shipbuilding process with the hope of successful development and safety.

After the Korean Navy decided to introduce three next-generation Aegis destroyers weighing 8,200 tonnes, HD HHI was chosen to build the three ships.

The first of the three planned ships, ROKS Jeongjo The Great, is undergoing trial operations before its planned delivery to the navy in the second half of this year. While the construction of the third ship will begin later this year.

The next generation Aegis destroyer measures 170 meters long, 21 meters wide, and a displacement weight of 8,200 tons. The ship can sail at a maximum speed of 30 knots, approximately 55 kilometers per hour.

HD HHI plans to launch the Gwanggaeto-III Batch-II and begin its operational test next year. The ship is planned to be delivered to the Navy by the end of 2026.

"This is expected to be a major maritime force for the KAMD system, as it can detect, track and intercept ballistic missiles, responding to various threats," an HD HHI official said, quoted by The Korea Times March 20.

Compared to the previous version of the Aegis destroyer, ROKS Sejong The Great and two other new ships, will feature interception of advanced anti-submarine warfare and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

They will be equipped with ground-attack ballistic missiles, long-range ship-to-air missiles, long-range anti-submarine torpedoes and light torpedoes, as well as the latest Aegis Combat System, multifunctional staggered running radars, electro-optical tracking devices, and integrated sonar systems.

In addition, an additional fuel-efficient propulsion system consisting of two 1.7 megawatt electric motors will allow each ship to save on fuel use.