South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) launched ROKS Gyeongnam, the second Daegu-class FFX Batch II frigate for the Republic of Korea Navy (RoK Navy). The event took place on June 21st in presence of the RoK Navy Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Sim Seung-seob.
First ship of the class, ROKS Daegu, was built by DSME as well. It was launched in June 2016 and commissioned with the ROK Navy on March 6, 2018.
A total of 8 frigates of this class, also known as the Incheon-class batch II or FFG-II , are set to be built by both DSME and Hyundai Heavy Industries, for the South Korean fleet.
The frigates are an improved version of the Incheon-class (FFX batch I). FFX Batch II frigates displace 2,800 tons, are 122 meters long, 14 meters wide and 34 meters high. They can be accommodate a maritime helicopter.
They are fitted with a 16-cell Korean vertical launching system (K-VLS) to deploy K-SAAM (Korean Surface to Air Anti Missile), Hong Sang Eo anti-submarine missile, and Haeryong tactical land attack cruise missiles, all by LIG Nex1. They are also fitted with torpedo launchers for anti-submarine warfare and eight SSM-700K Haeseong anti-ship missiles.
Powered by four MTU 12V 4000 M53B diesel engine and one Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines in a Combined diesel-electric and gas (CODLAG) arrangement, the frigate features a hybrid propulsion system to reduce underwater radiated noise. The class is capable of reaching speeds of 30 knots, according to DAPA.
“The Gyeongnam, armed with the latest combat system will be able to demonstrate the most powerful combat power when it is fused with the intangible operational capability of our sailors. Through thorough combat preparation and practical training, we must maximize our operational capability and make Gyeongnam the most powerful and safe”
RoK Navy Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Sim Seung-seob.
The keel of ROKS Gyeongnam was laid by DSME in February 2018, following a contract awarded to DSME in October 2016. The frigate is set to be commissioned in 2021.
A program to build the third batch (FFX III) frigates which will displace 3,000 tons and feature a phased array radar is also underway.
