South Korea commissions its first next-generation Aegis destroyer

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — South Korea’s navy formally received the first of a new class of guided-missile destroyer equipped with the Aegis combat system late last month. Such vessels, equipped to counter ballistic missiles, are deemed vital to help Seoul neutralize threats from the North.

Built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, the new 8,200-ton vessel is christened ROKS Jeongjo the Great. It belongs to the KDX-III Batch II class that will eventually comprise three vessels, these being the largest surface combatants Korea has ever built.

Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) had contracted the warship’s construction in October 2019, and it was duly launched on July 28, 2022.

The navy explained, “We evaluate that the Jeongjo the Great – which is equipped with the ability to intercept ballistic missiles and strike enemy leadership and key strategic targets – will demonstrate a strong deterrent against North Korea to repel enemy provocations in the event of an emergency.”

Further, DAPA said this vessel “is expected to play a key role in the sea-based maneuvering ‘Three-Axis system’ by possessing the ability to detect and track ballistic missiles as well as intercept them.”

This “Three-Axis system” refers to three connected defense initiatives aimed at negating Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile threat.

DAPA said the new destroyer’s “combat capabilities have dramatically improved” compared to the preceding 7,600-ton KDX-III Batch I class, three of which were commissioned from 2008-2012.

The 170m-long (558 foot) vessel is stealthier and is heavily armed with anti-ship missiles, surface-to-surface missiles plus air defense missiles that include the SM-3 and SM-6. Other weapons include a 5-inch naval gun and close-in weapon system, plus it is well equipped for anti-submarine warfare.

Commodore Shin Hyun-seung, head of DAPA’s Shipbuilding Division, confirmed: “Jeongjo the Great is equipped with the latest Aegis combat system, an integrated sonar system developed domestically, and a Korean vertical launching system, so it can respond to various threats such as ballistic missiles, and is expected to play a strong role as a guardian of our national security.”

In fact, it is the first warship to adopt the Korean Vertical Launching System II. According to the Ministry of National Defense, the destroyer also features improved habitability with larger crew compartment spaces and even a wireless network allowing crew members to instantly communicate with each other using smart devices.

The second destroyer of the class is scheduled to launch next year, while HD Hyundai Heavy Industries commenced construction of the third ship on Oct. 17. These two vessels should be delivered in 2026 and 2027 respectively, according to the shipbuilder.

ROKS Jeongjo the Great will undergo around a year of operational training before officially deploying in late 2025.