On June 1, 2023, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration delivered the LSF-IIs, LSF-633 and LSF-635. The landing craft were officially handed over to the ROK Navy 18 months after the launching ceremony held in December 2021.
The LSF-II (Solgae-class) are 100-ton LCAC-type landing craft measuring about 28 meters in length, 14 meters in width, and 8 meters in height. They are armed with a 12.7-mm machine gun.
The LSF-II is powered by a gas turbine and can proceed at an average speed of 40 knots. She is capable to move at high speed not only at sea but also in low-water or mudflat areas by blowing air into the skirt (airbag). The LSF-II can maneuver quickly with tanks, armored vehicles and fully armed forces. Therefore, it will conduct landing operations with Marine Corps fully armed forces, tanks and armored vehicles.
LSF-IIs are operated by a crew of five. The landing craft can carry up 150 soldiers. The ships will be assigned to ROKS Marado (LPH-6112), the second Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship, later this year after completing operational training.
With the acquisition of LSF-633 and 635, the Korean Navy will be operating nine LSFs (three LSF-I-class ships and six LSF-II-class ships). The LSF-I class can carry 130 fully armed troops or two tanks at a time, currently operating under the Incheon Naval Sector Defense Command’s 27th Combat Battalion. The first two ships of the LSF-II first project are under the 5th Component Flotilla Five of the Republic of Korean Navy.
The first through fourth ships of the LSF-II 2nd project will be loaded onto the Korean Navy’s Dokdo-class LPH-6111, 6112 to be used for low-water area guard or landing force operations. In addition, the ROK Navy said it will produce an additional four landing craft, which will improve transportability, ease of operation and maintenance.
LSF- II No. 5 through eight, follow-on units, are currently under construction.
- LSF-I No. 1 (Solgae-621): delivered in 2005
- LSF-I No. 2 (Solgae-622): delivered in 2006
- LSF-I No. 3 (Solgae-623): delivered in 2007
- LSF-II (First project) No. 1 and 2 (Solgae-631/632): delivered in 2007
- LSF-II (Second Project) No. 1 and 2 (Solgae-631/632): Delivered 2007
- LSF-II (Second Project) Nos. 3 to 4 (Solgae-633/635): Delivery June 1, 2023
- LSF-II (Second project) No. 5 to No. 8: Under construction
