HD HHI hands over first next-gen KDX-III destroyer to Korean Navy

South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has delivered ROKS Jeongjo the Great, the first ship in the 8,200-ton Sejong the Great-class (KDX III Batch II) destroyers, to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).

As disclosed, the delivery ceremony took place at HD HHI’s Ulsan headquarters on November 27, 2024.

The King Jeongjo the Great is the fourth Aegis-class destroyer independently designed and built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries using domestic technology.

The vessel is equipped with new systems, including the Aegis combat system, multi-function phased array radar, an integrated sonar system, the Korean Vertical Launch System (KVLS), and anti-ballistic missile capabilities.

To remind, in 2021, HD HII started building the first destroyer in this class, while the launching took place on July 28, 2022. The first batch of three Sejong the Great-class destroyers was commissioned between 2008 and 2012.

After completing more than 550 rigorous evaluations, including speed and performance tests, the Jeongjo the Great was delivered to the navy on time, HD HHI noted.

“We are delighted to deliver the Jeongjo the Great, a vessel with world-class performance, through close collaboration with DAPA, the Navy, the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), and the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ). We will continue to strive, as part of ‘Team Korea’ and ‘Team Ship,’ to drive the export of K-defense products in partnership with the government,” Won-ho Joo, Head of Naval & Special Ship Business Unit at HD HHI, said.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is already preparing for the next phase of production, with construction on the second Jeongjo the Great class ship nearing completion and the third ship is now under construction.