Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), the world’s biggest shipbuilder, today held a launch ceremony for its fifth frigate, ROKS Jeonbuk.
The launch ceremony was attended by the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Mr. Hwang Ki-chul, governor of Northern Jeolla Province Mr. Kim Wan-ju, Hyundai Heavy’s president & CEO Mr. Lee Jai-seong and other government and military officials in Ulsan shipyard.
The Jeonbuk frigate has greatly improved capabilities with its weapon and sensors including new 3-D radar, antiaircraft & antiship missiles, and sonar & torpedo acoustic counter measures. In addition, the vessel uses stealth technology to minimize the exposure to electromagnetic waves. More than 90% of major equipment is locally developed and sourced.
The 2,300 tonne frigate, measuring 114 m long, 14 m wide, and 25 m deep, can sail at a maximum speed of 30 knots with a crew of 120. The frigate will be delivered to the Korean Navy in December 2014.
The Ulsan, South Korea-based shipbuilder delivered its third frigate ROKS Incheon in January this year and is also currently building its fourth frigate ROKS Gyeonggi scheduled to be delivered in October 2014.
Since constructing and delivering the first Korean-built frigate ROKS Ulsan in 1980, Hyundai Heavy has grown as a leading naval shipbuilder by delivering 63 naval ships including the first and the third Korean Aegis destroyers, 3 KDX-II destroyers, 5 frigates, 3 submarines, and 29 patrol·salvage ships.
[mappress] Press Release, November 13, 2013; Image: Navy