South Korea launches final Aegis destroyer ROKS Daeho Kim
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries launched the third and final KDX-III Batch-II Aegis destroyer, ROKS Daeho Kim Jong-seo, on September 30, completing the ROK
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries launched the third and final KDX-III Batch II Aegis destroyer, ROKS Daeho Kim Jong-seo, on September 30. The ceremony at the company's Ulsan shipyard was attended by approximately 350 government, military, and industry officials.
President Lee Jae-myung and First Lady Kim Hye-kyung were present. Also attending were Minister of National Defense Kang Shin-chul, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Kim Kyung-ryul, and Defense Acquisition Program Administration Minister Lee Yong-cheol. National Assembly National Defense Committee Chairman Jin Sung-joon and lawmakers Kim Tae-seon and Yoon Jong-oh represented parliamentary interests. HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun, Vice Chairman Lee Sang-kyun, and President Joo Won-ho led the corporate delegation.
Vessel specifications and combat capabilities
ROKS Daeho Kim Jong-seo is a substantial warship. It measures 170 meters in length with a 21-meter beam and a light displacement of approximately 8,200 tons. The vessel can reach a maximum speed of 30 knots, or about 55 kilometers per hour.
The destroyer is fitted with the Aegis combat system and is designed for enhanced ballistic missile defence. HD Hyundai Heavy Industries stated the vessel incorporates a ballistic missile response system enabling interception missions, a capability absent from the existing Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyers. The company did not name the specific interceptor, but industry analysis suggests it is most certainly referring to the Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), a weapon not on the first batch of KDX-III destroyers. The ship also carries an advanced integrated sonar suite developed using domestic technology.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | 170 meters |
| Beam | 21 meters |
| Light Displacement | 8,200 tons |
| Maximum Speed | 30 knots (55 km/h) |
Strategic significance for ROK Navy Aegis fleet
The launch completes South Korea's Aegis destroyer force. Upon delivery, the Navy will operate a total of six Aegis-equipped destroyers. This fleet consists of three Sejong the Great-class ships from Batch-I and three Jeongjo the Great-class ships from Batch-II.
The new destroyer is named after the pen name and given name of General Kim Jong-seo, who led the expansion of Korea's northern frontier during the early Joseon period. It is regarded as a key asset in the sea-based mobile three-axis defence system. The vessel will be delivered to the ROK Navy in December next year following sea trials.
The KDX-III Batch II programme comprises three next-generation destroyers. The lead ship, Jeongjo Daewang, was commissioned in November 2024. The second vessel, Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, was launched in September 2025.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ role in naval shipbuilding
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries has been central to South Korea's Aegis fleet development. The company previously designed and built the first Sejong the Great-class destroyer in 2008 and the third ship of that class in 2012.
Beginning with the lead Jeongjo the Great-class ship in 2024, the shipyard has now constructed all three vessels in the Batch-II series. This contribution accounts for five of the six Aegis destroyers the ROK Navy will operate.
ROKS Daeho Kim Jong-seo will undergo sea trials before delivery to the ROK Navy in December next year.
