South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has floated out the second King Jeongjo-class 8,200-ton destroyer for the Republic of Korea Navy.
The Aegis-equipped warship, Dasan Jeong Yak-yong (DDG-996), is named after a Joseon-era philosopher and scientist. Its launch followed three years after the lead ship, King Jeongjo the Great, was launched in July 2022.
After launch, it will undergo a series of sea trials and final outfitting before delivery to the navy’s Fleet Command by late 2026.
The navy is expecting a total of three King Jeongjo-class destroyers. It received the first warship in November 2024 and expects the third vessel by 2027.
Boosting Missile Defense
The destroyers under the King Jeongjo-class (KDX-III Batch II) build upon the earlier Sejong the Great-class (KDX-III Batch I), featuring enhancements in stealth, as well as detection and tracking of missile threats.
Each warship measures 170 meters (557 feet) long and 21 meters (68 feet) wide and accommodates a crew of 300.
Powered by four gas turbines and two hybrid electric drive units, the vessel achieves speeds of up to 30 knots (55 kilometers/35 miles per hour) with improved fuel economy and reduced acoustic signature.
It is fitted with the Aegis combat management system and an integrated sonar system, armed with SM-3 and SM-6 missiles, long- and short-range anti-submarine torpedoes, and can launch an MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter.
The SM-3 can intercept threats at altitudes up to 500 kilometers (310 miles), while the SM-6 targets those in the terminal phase at lower altitudes.
These features make it a key asset in South Korea’s “three-axis” defense system intended to counter North Korea’s ballistic missile threats.
