South Korea launches third Daegu-class frigate

The Daegu-class frigate Seoul (FFG-821). Photo c/o HHI.

South Korean naval shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) launched the first Daegu-class (FFX-II) frigte for the Republic of Korea Navy during ceremonies at HHI’s shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on 11 November 2019.

The ship, which will be the future ROKS Seoul (FFG-821), is scheduled to be delivered to the ROKN by first quarter of 2021, coinciding with its 74th founding anniversary.

Two other ships of the class, the ROKS Daegu (FF-818) entered service with the ROKN on March 2018, while Gyeongnam (FFG-819) was launched on June 2019. Both ships were built by South Korean shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME).

Eight ships were ordered for the ROKN, which was the result of the FFX-II frigate program as a follow up to the FFX-I which resulted to the earlier Incheon-class frigates.

The Daegu-class is 122 meters long, with a beam of 14 meters, and a maximum speed of 30 knots. It has a crew of 120 officers and sailors. 


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly
[2] Hyundai Heavy Industries