South Korea’s HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has launched the second King Jeongjo-class destroyer, advancing the Republic of Korea Navy’s modernization drive. The 8,200-ton Aegis-equipped vessel, named Dasan Jeong Yak-yong (DDG-996) after a renowned Joseon-era philosopher and scientist, follows three years after the first ship of the class was launched in July 2022.
The newly launched warship will undergo outfitting and rigorous sea trials before its scheduled handover to the navy’s Fleet Command in late 2026. The class will eventually comprise three vessels, with the first destroyer delivered in November 2024 and the third expected by 2027.
Known as the KDX-III Batch II, the King Jeongjo-class improves upon the earlier Sejong the Great-class destroyers. Enhancements include superior stealth design, advanced missile detection and tracking, and an upgraded Aegis combat system. Measuring 170 meters in length and 21 meters in width, each destroyer accommodates a crew of 300.
Powered by four gas turbines paired with hybrid electric drives, the vessels achieve speeds of up to 30 knots while offering improved fuel efficiency and reduced acoustic signatures. They are armed with SM-3 and SM-6 interceptor missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, and can operate an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter. The SM-3 provides high-altitude intercept capability up to 500 kilometers, while the SM-6 is optimized for terminal-phase threats. Together, these features make the destroyers a cornerstone of South Korea’s “three-axis” strategy to counter North Korea’s missile arsenal.
