The Navy and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on the 25th that they will hold a launching ceremony for the Jeonnam, a 3,600-ton class frigate, at SK oceanplant in Goseong, South Gyeongsang, on the afternoon of the 25th.
The Jeonnam is the third ship of the Ulsan-class Batch Ⅲ and is a state-of-the-art frigate that replaces frigates (FF) and patrol combat corvettes (PCC). The first ship of Ulsan-class Batch Ⅲ is the Chungnam, and the second is the Gyeongbuk. After signing a construction contract with SK oceanplant in Oct. 2022, the Jeonnam held a commencement and keel-laying ceremony in 2024, and the launching ceremony was held on this day.
Measuring 129 meters in length, 14.8 meters in beam, and 38.9 meters in height, the Jeonnam is armed with a 5-inch gun, the Korean Vertical Launching System (KVLS), anti-ship missile defense missiles, ship-to-ship missiles, tactical ship-to-ground missiles, and long-range anti-submarine torpedoes. In particular, it is equipped with a multifunction phased array radar (MFR) developed with domestic technology, enabling detection and tracking of all-around air and surface targets.
DAPA said the Jeonnam applies a hybrid propulsion system to minimize underwater radiated noise. It also operates a hull-mounted sonar (HMS) and a towed array sonar system (TASS) developed with domestic technology, providing excellent anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Kang Hwan-seok, Vice Administrator of DAPA, said, "We have proven the stable technological capabilities of Korea's defense industry through the successful construction of the Jeonnam, a culmination of the nation's advanced science and technology," and added, "This has served as an opportunity to further strengthen the foundation for entering the global defense market, including warship MRO and exports."
The Jeonnam will be delivered to the Navy in Dec. 2026 after a test and evaluation period. It will then be operationally deployed after force integration.