The Navy and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said on the 8th that they held a combined launching ceremony for the new-generation fast attack craft Batch II, ships No. 1–4, at HJ Shipbuilding & Construction's Yeongdo shipyard in Busan.
The vessels launched are new 230-ton class fast attack craft measuring 45 meters in length, named "Chamsuri 231, 232, 233, 235." All were designed and built domestically.
After sea trials, these fast attack craft are scheduled to be delivered to the Navy sequentially from August to November next year. They will be deployed to forward waters to conduct coastal surveillance and block infiltration.
Compared with Batch I, these craft integrate the control and launch functions for various weapons, including 130 mm guided rockets, into the combat system to improve ease of operation. The Navy said their electronic countermeasures capabilities have also been strengthened.
About 70 people attended the launching ceremony, including Navy Logistics Command Commander Ahn Sang-min, DAPA Ship Project Department Director Ji Sang-hyeok, and Yoo Sang-cheol, chief executive officer of the shipbuilding division at HJ Shipbuilding & Construction.
The military authorities signed a construction contract with HJ Shipbuilding & Construction in Dec. 2022, held a groundbreaking ceremony in 2024, and conducted a keel-laying ceremony in January.