South Korea launches fourth Chungnam frigate, cuts steel for second logistics ship
South Korea's fourth Chungnamâclass frigate, seen here at its launch ceremony on 29 April 2026. (DAPA)
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) marked two key naval shipbuilding milestones on 29 April, with the launch of the Republic of Korea Navy's (RoKN's) latest 3,600âton frigate and the start of construction of a second large logistics support ship.
In two separate statements issued on the same day, DAPA said the frigate Jeju (FFGâ832) was launched at SK Ocean Plant's shipyard in Goseong on the afternoon of 29 April.
Jeju is the fourth ship in the Chungnamâclass (FFXâIII) programme, with construction having started following the signing of a contract with SK Ocean Plant in October 2022.
The 3,600âtonâclass frigate has an overall length of about 129 m and a beam of around 14.8 m. It is designed as a multirole surface combatant, with an emphasis on antiâair and antiâsubmarine warfare.
According to DAPA, Jeju is fitted with a domestically developed integrated sensor mast incorporating a fourâsided fixed multifunction phasedâarray radar and an infrared search and track system, providing 360âdegree detection and tracking of air and surface targets.
The ship is armed with a 127 mm main gun, the Korean vertical launch system (K-VLS) for surfaceâtoâair missiles, separate launchers for anti-ship missiles, and longârange antiâsubmarine torpedoes.
It also features a hullâmounted sonar and a towed array sonar system and uses a hybrid propulsion system derived from the earlier Daeguâclass to reduce underwater radiated noise and enhance antiâsubmarine performance, DAPA added.
Jeju is scheduled to be delivered to the RoKN in 2027 following sea trials.
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