In a new step to strengthen its maritime defense capabilities, the South Korea Navy celebrated yesterday, September 17, the launching of the ROKS Dasan Jeong Yak-yong (DDG-996), the third and final AEGIS KDX-III Batch 2 guided-missile destroyer. The ceremony took place at the HD Hyundai Heavy Industries shipyard facilities in the city of Ulsan.
Named ROKS Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, the new ship is part of a series of three new Sejong the Great-class guided-missile destroyers, also designated as “KDX-III Batch 2.” With its entry into service planned for 2027, the South Korea Navy will consolidate an operational core of units equipped with the U.S.-origin AEGIS combat management system, totaling six ships across both the Batch I and the more modern Batch II. At the same time, this milestone continues to strengthen the fruitful partnership with the United States, demonstrating the capabilities of South Korean shipyards and companies in constructing technologically complex vessels equipped with the latest advancements in sensors and combat systems.
As mentioned in the days leading up to the ceremony, the new 8,200-ton destroyer will form part of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system. Among its main upgrades is a new locally developed vertical launch system (KVLS), allowing the use of SM-3 anti-air missiles and making these platforms suitable for air defense missions against ballistic missiles.
Prior to the launching of the ROKS Dasan Jeong Yak-yong (DDG-996), the South Korea Navy had already commissioned the lead ship of the KDX-III Batch II subclass, the ROKS Jeongjo the Great (DDG-995). This ship was launched in 2022 and commissioned in November 2024, marking the beginning of the incorporation of this new series of destroyers. The second destroyer of the program is in an advanced stage of construction, with delivery expected by the end of 2026.
Bang Geuk-cheol, head of DAPA’s Capability Improvement Office, stated that the destroyer “is designed to handle a wide range of threats and will play a key role in protecting national security and maritime sovereignty.” Before its commissioning into the South Korea Navy Fleet Command, the ROKS Dasan Jeong Yak-yong will undergo sea trials.
Finally, looking ahead for the DDG-996, it is expected that the destroyer, like its sister ships, will complete the final construction phase focused on the shipyard stage, concentrating on the installation and integration of sensor, communications, ship management, and weapon systems, before beginning initial port and navigation trials, with its acceptance and commissioning into service planned for 2027.
Photos: Republic of Korea Navy.
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