HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) held a launching ceremony for the next-generation Aegis destroyer, Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, in Ulsan on September 17th.
According to HD HHI, the ROKS Dasan Jeong Yak-yong is the world’s most powerful Aegis destroyer to date, measuring 170 meters in length and 21 meters in width, with a displacement of 8,200 tons and a top speed of 30 knots. It is equipped with the Aegis Combat System, an integrated SONAR system, and advanced interceptor capabilities.
The warship is regarded as a symbol of Korea-U.S. cooperation in shipbuilding, as it incorporates the U.S. Aegis Combat System into a vessel developed by HHI. The destroyer is scheduled to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy in 2026.
HD HHI already delivered the first-in-class ship Jeongjo the Great to the ROK Navy in November 2024, while the third and final ship will be delivered in 2027.
The third and the last ‘KDX-III Batch-II’ Aegis destroyer is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy at the end of 2027.
The lauching ceremony was attended by Minister of National Defense Ahn Kyu-baek, joined by Chief of Naval Operations Kang Dong-gil, Head of Current Capabilities Program Agency at DAPA, Bang Geuk-cheol, representatives of the defense industry, and about 400 distinguished guests.
In keeping with naval tradition, Minister Ahn’s spouse Shim Hye-jung, cut the ceremonial launching line connected to the vessel.
The ship was named to embody the spirit of Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, a late Joseon-era scholar who promoted national prosperity and strength through practicality, symbolizing the succession of his spirit of compassion for the people and his will for innovation.
Specifications and Features of the Jeongjo the Great class / KDX III Batch 2 destroyers
The Jeongjo the Great class ships are domestically designed and constructed Aegis destroyer, boasting enhanced stealth capabilities and a larger 8,200-ton displacement compared to the previous 7,600-ton Batch-I class vessels. They seamlessly integrates the U.S.-imported Aegis Combat System (Baseline 9.C2 ‘KII’) with domestically developed technologies, including the integrated sonar system, KVLS-II, surface-to-land ballistic missiles, long-range surface-to-air missiles and ballistic missile interceptors. The ship is also equipped with MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopters, enabling long-range strikes and enhanced underwater threat detection and response capabilities. Powered by four gas turbine engines and a Hybrid Electric Drive (HED) system, it combines high-speed performance with economical propulsion.
As a cornerstone of South Korea’s advanced naval strategy, these new destroyers are expected to serve as a key asset in the “Sea-Based Maneuvering Three-Axis System,” a strategic initiative aimed at countering North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats through integrated underwater kill chains, layered missile defense, and precision strike capabilities.
KDX III Batch II Characteristics:
- Light displacement: 8,300 tons
- Full load displacement: > 10,000 tons
- Length: 170 meters
- Breadth: 21 meters
- Speed: 30 knots
- Crew: 300 sailors
