3,600-Ton Frigate 'Jeju' to Be Delivered to Navy Next Year

The Republic of Korea Navy and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration will hold a launching ceremony for the "Jeju Ship," the fourth vessel of the latest 3,600-ton Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates, at the SK Oceanplant in Goseong, Gyeongsangnam-do, on April 29. The Jeju Ship measures 129 meters in length, 14.8 meters in width, and 38.9 meters in height. It is equipped with a 5-inch gun, Korean Vertical Launching System (KVLS), anti-ship guided missile defense missiles, anti-ship missiles, tactical surface-to-ground guided missiles, and long-range anti-submarine torpedoes.

The 4th ship of the latest 3,600-ton class Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates, "Jeju Ship." Photo by Republic of Korea Navy

In particular, the ship is fitted with an Integrated Sensor Mast (ISM) that houses infrared search and track equipment, as well as a domestically developed Multi-Function Phased Array Radar (MFR). The Multi-Function Phased Array Radar features four fixed panels, enabling detection and tracking of both aerial and naval targets in all directions, and can simultaneously respond to multiple aerial threats. The vessel also utilizes a hybrid propulsion system to minimize noise and is equipped with a hull-mounted sonar (HMS) and a towed array sonar system (TASS), both developed with domestic technology, ensuring excellent anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The Jeju Ship will undergo sea trials and is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy in June next year, after which it will be operationally deployed following the force integration process.

Approximately 150 people will attend the launching ceremony, including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Jin Youngseung as the principal guest, along with Navy Chief of Staff Kim Kyungryul, Defense Acquisition Program Administration Director General for Foundation Power Projects Jeong Jaejun, and SK Oceanplant CEO Kang Younggyu.

Chairman Jin Youngseung emphasized in materials distributed prior to the ceremony, "Now is a critical time when we must strengthen our commitment to self-reliant national defense and enhance our practical readiness more than ever." He added, "Our military is making every effort to transform into a strong force capable of winning battles by dramatically advancing the AI-based combined manned and unmanned combat capabilities, utilizing the evolving strengths of Korean defense technology in areas such as unmanned surface vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.