South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries launched ROKS Daeho Kim Jong-seo, the Republic of Korean (ROK) Navy’s third and final next-generation Aegis destroyer (KDX-III Batch-II program), completing South Korea’s six-ship Aegis fleet.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Press Release Translated by Naval News
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced that it held a launching ceremony on September 30 for ROKS Daeho Kim Jong-seo, the third 8,200-ton next-generation Aegis destroyer.
The ceremony, held at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ Ulsan shipyard, was attended by approximately 350 government, military and company officials. Attendees included President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung; Minister of National Defense Kang Shin-chul; Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Kim Kyung-ryul; Defense Acquisition Program Administration Minister Lee Yong-cheol; National Assembly National Defense Committee Chairman Jin Sung-joon and other committee members; lawmakers Kim Tae-seon and Yoon Jong-oh, representing constituencies in Ulsan; HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun; HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Vice Chairman Lee Sang-kyun; and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries President Joo Won-ho.
The third next-generation Aegis destroyer launched that day was named ROKS Daeho Kim Jong-seo, after the pen name and given name of General Kim Jong-seo, who led the expansion of Korea’s northern frontier during the early Joseon period. Following sea trials, Daeho Kim Jong-seo will be delivered to the ROK Navy in December next year.
ROKS Daeho Kim Jong-seo measures 170 meters in length and 21 meters in beam, with a light displacement of approximately 8,200 tons, and can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots, or approximately 55 kilometers per hour. Equipped with an advanced integrated sonar suite developed using domestic technology and a ballistic missile system, the ship can also carry out interception missions, a capability absent from the existing Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyers. It is therefore regarded as a key asset in the sea-based mobile three-axis system.
The launch of Daeho Kim Jong-seo is particularly significant as it completes the ROK Navy’s Aegis destroyer force. When the ship enters service in December next year, the Navy will have a total of six Aegis destroyers: three Sejong the Great-class ships (KDX-III Batch-I) and three Jeongjo the Great-class ships (KDX-III Batch-II).
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries previously designed and built Sejong the Great and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, the first and third Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyers, in 2008 and 2012, respectively. Beginning with Jeongjo the Great, the lead ship of the Jeongjo the Great class, in 2024, the company went on to design and build the second ship, Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, and the third, Daeho Kim Jong-seo. This brings the company’s contribution to five of the six Aegis destroyers that the ROK Navy will operate. In particular, by building all three next-generation Jeongjo the Great-class Aegis destroyers, the company has demonstrated its advanced naval shipbuilding capabilities.
“Our shipbuilding industry, which boasts world-leading technological capabilities, is a source of national pride and the driving force that has made the Republic of Korea a maritime power. We will actively support our shipbuilding industry so that it can maintain its unrivaled technological lead and advance to the next level.”
President Lee Jae-myung
“This year marks 50 years since HD Hyundai Heavy Industries began work on the development of Ulsan, the Republic of Korea’s first domestically built combatant, making this launching ceremony all the more meaningful. With a sense of mission that we build the ships that safeguard the world’s seas, we will continue to firmly safeguard the Republic of Korea’s economy and security.”
HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun
