The Korean Navy has placed an order with Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) for construction of an Incheon Class frigate worth USD 305.8 million.
As stipulated by the contract, DSME is obliged to construct and deliver the frigate to the South Korean Navy by 2017.
With introduction of the Incheon class frigates South Korean Navy plans to replace the aging fleet of Pohang class corvettes and Ulsan class frigates. The class is said to be built in several batches. Batch I will see construction of six vessels while eight will be built as Batch II by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. A third batch is also planned, but it is still at an early stage of development.
The frigate is capable of performing various roles including coast patrol, anti-submarine warfare and transport support.
Boasting a displacement of 2,300t, the warship covers an overall length of 114m, width of 14m and a depth of 25m.
The complement of the frigate is up to 170 crew members.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, December 31, 2013; Image: DSME