Hyundai Heavy Launches New Frigate

Shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) held a launch ceremony today for its fifth frigate, ROKS Jeonbuk.

The launch ceremony was attended by the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Hwang Ki-chul, governor of Northern Jeolla Province Kim Wan-ju, Hyundai Heavy’s president and CEO Lee Jai-seong and other government and military officials in Ulsan shipyard.

The Jeonbuk frigate has greatly improved capabilities with its weapon and sensors including new 3-D radar, antiaircraft and antiship missiles, and sonar and torpedo acoustic counter measures. In addition, the vessel uses stealth technology to minimize the exposure to electromagnetic waves. More than 90% of major equipment is locally developed and sourced.

The 2,300-metric-ton frigate, measuring 114 meters long, 14 wide and 25 deep, can sail at a maximum speed of 30 knots with a crew of 120. The frigate will be delivered to the Korean Navy in December 2014.

The Ulsan, South Korea-based shipbuilder delivered its third frigate ROKS Incheon in January this year and is also currently building its fourth frigate ROKS Gyeonggi scheduled to be delivered in October 2014.

Since constructing and delivering the first Korean-built frigate ROKS Ulsan in 1980, Hyundai Heavy has grown as a leading naval shipbuilder by delivering 63 naval ships including the first and the third Korean Aegis destroyers, three KDX-II destroyers, five frigates, three submarines and 29 patrol salvage ships.

english.hhi.co.kr