HD Hyundai announced on the 18th that it has delivered the latest escort ship Chungnam to the navy ahead of schedule.
On this day, HD Hyundai held a delivery ceremony for the Chungnam, the lead ship of the 3,600-ton new escort ship Ulsan-class Batch-III program, with the attendance of Joo Won-ho, head of special ship business; Shin Hyun-seung, head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's vessel business division; and Park Tae-kyu, commander of the Navy's 8th Fleet, at its headquarters in Ulsan. After signing a detailed design and construction contract with the administration in March 2020, HD Hyundai delivered the vessel to the navy ahead of the contract delivery date following its launch in December 2022 and approximately two years of test evaluation.
The Chungnam is the first vessel in the Ulsan-class Batch-III program, which involves the construction of six 3,600-ton new escort ships. It is a multi-purpose combat ship with a length of 129 meters and a width of 15 meters. It can operate at a maximum speed of 30 knots (approximately 55 km/h). By applying a hybrid propulsion system, its operational capabilities have been enhanced. The vessel is equipped with composite sensor masts, including four-sided fixed multifunction phased array radars, which have been developed and installed based on domestic technology, strengthening its air defense capabilities. It can also operate various guided missiles simultaneously with a Korean vertical launching system. Additionally, it is equipped with various sonars for anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
HD Hyundai noted, “The Chungnam, as the latest escort ship, is expected to play a key role in the defense of the West Sea based on its advanced combat systems and high-performance detection equipment, along with powerful armaments.”