The Defense Acquisition Agency announced on June 19 that it has delivered the latest 3,600-ton frigate, the 'Gyeongbuk,' to the Navy at SK Ocean Plant in Goseong, South Korea.
The Gyeongbuk is the second ship of the Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates, designed to replace older frigates currently in service. A construction contract was signed with SK Ocean Plant in December 2021, and the ship was launched in June 2025. After successfully completing a year of sea trials, it was handed over to the Navy.
Equipped with advanced technology, the Gyeongbuk will perform missions such as area surveillance and defense, protection of maritime rights, and securing maritime control. It is expected to serve as a core asset in future naval fleets.
The frigate is armed with a 5-inch naval gun, tactical surface-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missiles, anti-aircraft defense missiles, and long-range anti-submarine torpedoes.
Notably, the combat system, multifunctional active phased array radar, and armaments of the ship were all developed using domestic technology, showcasing the advanced capabilities of South Korea's defense industry.
Choi Sang-deok, head of the Defense Acquisition Agency's Ship Project Division, stated, "The timely delivery of the Gyeongbuk is significant for strengthening our maritime security amid rapidly changing international circumstances. This achievement by a domestic mid-sized shipyard in successfully constructing its first military vessel is a valuable accomplishment and further demonstrates the excellence of K-Shipbuilding technology."
Following approximately six months of operational training, the Gyeongbuk will be deployed to the naval fleet for operational missions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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