CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — In a significant advancement for its naval capabilities, South Korea’s navy has officially welcomed the ROKS Jeongjo the Great, the first ship of a new class of guided-missile destroyers designed to bolster the nation’s defense against potential threats from North Korea. The vessel, which incorporates the sophisticated Aegis combat system, was formally received by the navy late last month.

Constructed by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan, ROKS Jeongjo the Great is an 8,200-ton destroyer that marks a landmark in South Korea’s naval engineering, being part of the KDX-III Batch II class. Comprising three vessels, this class is set to be the largest surface combatants ever built by the country. The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) initiated construction contracts for the warship in October 2019, and it was launched on July 28, 2022.

DAPA emphasized the strategic importance of the new destroyer, stating its advanced capabilities will serve as a formidable deterrent against North Korean aggression. The ROKS Jeongjo the Great is designed to intercept ballistic missiles and to strike at critical enemy targets, significantly enhancing South Korea’s defensive posture. DAPA positioned the destroyer as pivotal in the country’s sea-based maneuvering “Three-Axis System,” which is a systemic defense approach intended to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.

A noticeable upgrade over the previous KDX-III Batch I class destroyers, which weigh in at 7,600 tons, the new vessel boasts improved combat capabilities. At 170 meters long (558 feet), the ROKS Jeongjo the Great features enhanced stealth technology and a wide array of armaments, including anti-ship and surface-to-surface missiles, as well as advanced air defense systems like the SM-3 and SM-6 missiles. It is also equipped with a 5-inch naval gun, a close-in weapon system, and capabilities for anti-submarine warfare.

Commodore Shin Hyun-seung, head of DAPA’s Shipbuilding Division, highlighted the destroyer’s state-of-the-art features, including the latest Aegis combat system, a domestically developed integrated sonar system, and the Korean Vertical Launching System II. He indicated that these capabilities would equip the destroyer to effectively address various military threats.

Moreover, the ship’s design prioritizes crew comfort and efficiency, offering improved habitability with larger living quarters and modern wireless communication that allows crew members to connect through smart devices.

The second destroyer of this class is slated to launch in the coming year, while the construction for the third vessel began on October 17. Both of these ships are projected to be delivered in 2026 and 2027, respectively. ROKS Jeongjo the Great is expected to undergo approximately a year of operational training before it officially enters service by late 2025, enhancing South Korea’s naval readiness.