The ceremony for the Jeju, named after the country's southern resort island, was held at SK Oceanplant's shipyard, about a year ahead of its planned delivery to the Navy slated for June next year, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
The 3,600-ton frigate is intended to replace aging frigates and patrol combat corvettes (PCC) currently in service and will be deployed combat-ready after completing trial operations.
Measuring about 129 meters in length, 14.8 meters in width, and 38.9 meters in height, the Jeju is equipped with a 5-inch gun, anti-ship and missile defense guided missiles, ship-to-ship guided missiles, tactical ship-to-surface guided missiles, and long-range anti-submarine torpedoes.
The frigate's integrated sensor mast is fitted with infrared search-and-track systems and a locally developed multifunction phased-array radar. The radar provides 360-degree coverage, enabling it to detect and track both air and surface targets while responding to multiple threats simultaneously.
"This is a decisive moment to strengthen our resolve to self-reliant defense and military readiness," said Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Jin Young-seung, who attended the event. He added that the military is pushing to modernize its capabilities by embracing new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones and unmanned vessels.
He also vowed to protect lives and property and preserve peace on the Korean Peninsula by building a "military trusted by the people."
Wednesday's event was attended by about 150 high-ranking military officials and other guests including Navy Chief of Staff Kim Kyung-ryul and SK Oceanplant CEO Kang Young-gyu.
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