HD Hyundai Heavy, Final Ship Construction for Next-Generation Aegis Destroyer Begins

On the 17th, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries held a keel-laying ceremony for the third ship of the next-generation Aegis destroyer at its Ulsan headquarters, attended by officials from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality, and the Defense Rapid Acquisition Technology Research Institute. Photo by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries

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HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has begun construction of the final ship of the 'Next-Generation Aegis Destroyer (Jeongjo the Great-class·Gwanggaeto-III Batch-II),' which will be a core force of the Korean Missile Defense System (KAMD).

On the 17th, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries held a 'Next-Generation Aegis Destroyer 3rd Ship Keel Laying Ceremony' at its headquarters in Ulsan, attended by officials from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Defense Technology Quality Institute, and Defense Rapid Acquisition Technology Research Institute. The 3rd ship is the last of the three next-generation Aegis destroyers to be introduced by the Navy and is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy by the end of 2027.

This destroyer is the largest among South Korean Navy ships, classified as the 'Jeongjo the Great-class,' measuring 170 meters in length, 21 meters in width, with a light displacement of 8,200 tons, and capable of operating at a maximum speed of 30 knots (approximately 55 km/h). It is equipped with four gas turbine engines along with two 1.7 MW propulsion electric motors, which are fuel-saving auxiliary propulsion systems.

Notably, compared to the existing first-generation 'Sejong the Great-class' Aegis destroyers, this ship adds ballistic missile interception capabilities and enhanced anti-submarine warfare performance, expected to play a key role in protecting the maritime sovereignty of the Republic of Korea.

Main armaments include ship-to-ground ballistic guided missiles, long-range ship-to-air guided missiles, long-range anti-submarine torpedoes, and lightweight torpedoes. It is also equipped with the Aegis combat system, multifunction phased array radar, electro-optical tracking equipment, and an integrated sonar system.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries plans to deliver the lead ship of the next-generation Aegis destroyers, 'Jeongjo the Great,' to the Navy next month, with the second ship scheduled for delivery by the end of 2026. The 'Jeongjo the Great' demonstrated enhanced combat capabilities through practical live-fire exercises conducted last April.

An official from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries stated, "Following the basic design and construction of the first and third ships of the first-generation 'Sejong the Great-class' Aegis destroyers, we are proving our world-class shipbuilding technology by constructing all three 'Jeongjo the Great-class' Aegis destroyers. We will do our best to contribute to strengthening the Republic of Korea Navy's capabilities through timely delivery of the ships."

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