HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) has rolled out the Republic of Korea Navy’s second King Jeongjo-class (KDX-III Batch II) Aegis destroyer, weighing 8,200 tons.
Named Dasan Jeong Yak-yong (DDG-996) after a historic Joseon-era scholar, the ship follows the lead vessel King Jeongjo the Great, launched in 2022. After completion of sea trials and outfitting, the destroyer is expected to join the fleet by late 2026. A third ship is set for delivery by 2027, completing the planned three-vessel class.
Compared to the earlier Sejong the Great-class (Batch I), the new destroyers feature enhanced stealth, superior missile detection and tracking systems, and improved operational performance. Measuring 170m in length and 21m in width, they carry 300 crew members.
The ship’s propulsion system combines four gas turbines with two hybrid electric drives, enabling speeds of 30 knots while improving fuel economy and lowering acoustic signatures.
Armed with SM-3 and SM-6 surface-to-air missiles, advanced sonar, torpedoes, and the ability to operate an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, the destroyer is configured for multi-role missions. The SM-3 intercepts threats at up to 500 km altitude, while the SM-6 covers lower, terminal-phase targets.
These systems make the King Jeongjo-class a cornerstone of South Korea’s three-axis defense plan, strengthening its ability to counter North Korea’s missile arsenal.
