HD HHI Press Release
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is strengthening the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy’s operational capability with the delivery of the state-of-the-art Frigate “ROKS Chungnam,” following the delivery of Next-Generation Aegis destroyer “ROKS Jeongjo the Great.”
On Wednesday, December 18th, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries held a delivery ceremony for the 3,600-ton class new Frigate, the lead ship “ROKS Chungnam,” at its headquarters in Ulsan. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Won-ho Joo, Chief Operating Officer of the Naval & Special Ship Business Unit, Hyun-Seung Shin, Head of the Naval Ship Division at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), and Park Tae-kyu, Commander of the ROK Navy’s 8th Fleet.
The ROKS Chungnam is the first ship in the Ulsan Class Batch-III project, which involves the construction of six 3,600-ton class new Frigates. She inherits her name from ROKS Chungnam (FF-953), a 1,500-ton Frigate that was decommissioned in 2017.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries signed a detailed design and construction contract with the DAPA in March 2020. Following her launch in December 2022 and nearly two years of trials and evaluations, the ROKS Chungnam was delivered to the ROK Navy.
The ROKS Chungnam is a versatile surface combatant, measuring 129 meters in length and 15 meters in width, capable of operating at a top speed of 30 knots. The adoption of a hybrid propulsion system further enhances her operational capabilities.
Notably, the ROKS Chungnam features a indigenously developed Integrated Sensor Mast equipped with a four-sided fixed Multi-Function Phased-Array Radar, capable of 360-degree all-around detection, tracking, and response. This significantly enhances her anti-air warfare capabilities, enabling her to simultaneously engage multiple aerial targets. Additionally, she is equipped with the Korean Vertical Launching System (KVLS), which allows the operation of various guided missiles, and a range of sonar systems for exceptional anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
An official from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries remarked, “The state-of-the-art Frigate ROKS Chungnam, with her advanced combat systems, high-performance detection sensors, and powerful armament, is expected to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the seas surrounding the Korean Peninsula.”
Meanwhile, earlier this year, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries delivered the 3,000-ton submarine ROKS Shin Chae-ho in April and the 8,200-ton Next Generation Aegis destroyer ROKS Jeongjo the Great in November to the ROK Navy, both on time.
Author’s Note
During Naval News’ visit to the HD HHI Ulsan Shipyard, we had the opportunity to ask about the future plans for the FFX Batch-III Chungnam-class to address the challenges of future maritime battlefield environments. Notably, once the domestically developed CIWS-II (Close-In Weapon System), currently under development by LIG Nex1, is completed, it will undergo testing before being installed on the frigate. The entire CIWS-II program is expected to be completed by 2036 and plans to incorporate Advanced Hit Efficiency and Destruction (AHEAD) ammunition in the future, enabling the system to effectively counter swarm drones.
Additionally, the Chungnam-class has plans to install MUM-T (Manned-Unmanned Teaming) consoles to effectively operate onboard Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs) and control various surrounding unmanned surface assets. In particular, the Navy’s 100-ton-class large combat USV, unlike smaller USVs, is capable of operating in rough seas, making cooperative operations with the Chungnam-class frigates highly anticipated.
Regarding potential plans to equip the Chungnam with Remote Controlled Weapon Systems (RCWS) to counter suicide drone boats, they stated that there are no plans to add RCWS at the moment.
