The first of the new KDX-III Batch-II type destroyers ordered by South Korea, the Jeongjo the Great, was delivered by the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard. Inspired by the American Arleigh Burkes, these imposing buildings, whose displacement exceeds 10,000 tonnes, are like their US Navy counterparts equipped with the Aegis air defense system from Lockheed-Martin.
170 meters long with a width of 21 meters and a fully loaded displacement of 12,000 tonnes, the Jeongjo the Great is impressive. Named in honor of an ancient Korean king of the 18th century, it is the first of the new South Korean destroyers of the KDX-III Batch-II type, of which three examples are planned. Ordered in October 2019, it was officially delivered on November 27 by the Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard, where it was launched in July 2022.
Le Jeongjo the Great.
The Jeongjo the Great is an evolution of the three KDX-III Batch-I type destroyers, the Sejong the Great, Yulgok Ti I and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (166 meters, 10,000 tpc) commissioned in 2008, 2010 and 2012. These ships were the first South Korean units to implement the American Aegis system and a fixed panel radar. SPY-1D. They include a Mk41 vertical launch system (80 cells) for SM-2 surface-to-air missiles and 48 other cells for South Korean weapons: Hyunmoo III cruise missiles, K-SAAM and KM-SAAM surface-to-air missiles and missiles Red Shark anti-submarines (local version of the American ASROC). In addition, there are 16 Haeseong anti-ship missiles, a 127 mm turret, a Goalkeeper multi-tube system, a RAM short-range surface-to-air system and two triple torpedo platforms. Capable of reaching 30 knots thanks to four LM2500 gas turbines totaling a power of 75 MW and armed by 300 sailors, the KDX-III Batch-I can carry two helicopters (Seahawk or Super Lynx). The latter are used in particular for anti-submarine warfare, for which destroyers have a hull sonar and a towed antenna.
Le destroyer Sejong the Great, du type KDX-III Batch-I.
The new Jeongjo the Great has generally the same design, but it is a little larger and heavier, while being equipped with more recent systems and increased capabilities, particularly in terms of air defense. Its Mk41 launchers (48 cells) can not only carry SM-2s, but also SM-3s for defense against ballistic missiles, which constitute one of the main threats for Seoul due to the North Korean arsenal. Added to this are 48 cells for different types of South Korean surface-to-air missiles, as well as Hyunmoo III and Hyunmoo IV cruise and ballistic missiles. The rest of the armament includes 8 Haeseong anti-ship missiles, a 127 mm turret, two Phalanx multi-tube systems and two triple torpedo platforms.
The other two KDX-III Batch-II destroyers are expected to enter the fleet in 2026 and 2027.
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