South Korean shipbuilder SK Oceanplant launched ROKS Jeju, the fourth FFX Batch-III frigate for the Republic of Korea Navy, at its Goseong shipyard.
SK Oceanplant Press Release Translated by Naval News
SK Oceanplant announced that it held a launch ceremony on April 29 at its shipyard in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, for ROKS Jeju, the fourth ship of the Republic of Korea Navy’s FFX Batch-III frigate program.
The ceremony was attended by senior officials from the Republic of Korea Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Navy, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, along with former commanding officers of previous vessels bearing the name Jeju and local government representatives from South Gyeongsang Province and Goseong County.
The launch follows the November launch of ROKS Jeonnam by just five months. SK Oceanplant said the achievement underscores its ability to execute multiple naval shipbuilding programs in parallel, with ROKS Gyeongbuk, ROKS Jeonnam, and ROKS Jeju all under construction simultaneously and key milestones completed on schedule.
Following the launch of ROKS Jeju, the company is currently carrying out final outfitting and delivery preparations for ROKS Gyeongbuk, which is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in June. SK Oceanplant said it intends to build on its accumulated expertise in naval and defense shipbuilding, with a continued focus on quality, delivery reliability, and long-term growth in the naval vessel sector.
ROKS Jeju is a 3,600-ton-class next-generation frigate, with a full-load displacement of approximately 4,300 tons. The ship is 129 meters long, has a beam of 15 meters, and can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots.
The frigate is equipped with an integrated sensor mast incorporating a domestically developed high-performance phased-array radar and infrared search and tracking system. This enables wide-area air and surface surveillance, as well as simultaneous response to multiple targets. The vessel also features a stealth-oriented design and a domestically developed sonar suite, enhancing its anti-submarine warfare capability and overall survivability.
ROKS Jeju also incorporates a hybrid propulsion system combining low- and medium-speed electric propulsion with a high-speed gas turbine engine. In routine operations, the system enables low-noise, low-vibration sailing, contributing to reduced acoustic signature and improved operational efficiency. When required, the gas turbine allows the vessel to conduct high-speed maneuvers for demanding mission profiles.
“The launch of ROKS Jeju marks another milestone in strengthening the Republic of Korea Navy’s future maritime capabilities and demonstrates the global competitiveness of our shipbuilding technology and production management system,” said Kang Young-kyu, CEO of SK Oceanplant.
“As a trusted partner to the Navy, we will continue to contribute to national security and the competitiveness of Korea’s defense industry through uncompromising quality and reliable delivery.”
Kang Young-kyu, CEO of SK Oceanplant
Since being designated as a defense contractor for naval shipbuilding in 2017, SK Oceanplant has delivered more than 30 vessels to the Republic of Korea Navy and the Korea Coast Guard, establishing a strong track record in the special-purpose vessel sector.
The company has also recently signed a Master Ship Repair Agreement (MSRA) with the U.S. Navy, qualifying it to participate in maintenance, repair, and overhaul projects for major U.S. naval vessels, including combatants, as it accelerates its expansion into the global defense market.
