HD Hyundai Heavy Industries announced on the 30th that it held a launching ceremony for the 8,200-ton next-generation Aegis destroyer No. 3, 'Daeho Kim Jong-seo.' The vessel is regarded as the next-generation Aegis destroyer that will complete the Republic of Korea Navy's Aegis destroyer force structure.
The launching ceremony held at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan shipyard on the day was attended by President Lee Jae-myung and his wife, Kim Hye-kyung, Kang Shin-cheol, Minister of National Defense, Admiral Kim Kyung-ryul, Chief of Naval Operations, Lee Yong-cheol, Director of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and others. Members of the National Assembly's Defense Committee, including Jang Seong-jun, Vice Chair of the National Assembly, as well as Ulsan district representatives Kim Tae-sun and Yoon Jong-o, were also present. From HD Hyundai, Jeong Gi-seon (Chairman), Lee Sang-gyun, Vice Chairman of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Ju Won-ho, President of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, and others participated.
The next-generation Aegis destroyer No. 3 launched on the day was named 'Daeho Kim Jong-seo,' after the courtesy name (ho) and given name of General Kim Jong-seo, who led northern expansion in the early Joseon period. The Daeho Kim Jong-seo will be delivered to the Navy in December 2027 following sea trials.
The Daeho Kim Jong-seo measures 170 meters in length and 21 meters in width, with a light displacement of approximately 8,200 tons, capable of navigating at a maximum speed of 30 knots (approximately 55 km/h). It is equipped with an advanced integrated sonar system and ballistic missile defense system developed using domestic technology. In addition to these capabilities, it can perform interception missions not found in the existing Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyers, and is evaluated as a core force of the sea-based mobile Kill Chain, Advanced Threat Kill Chain, and Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system.
In particular, the launching of the Daeho Kim Jong-seo holds great significance in that it completes the Navy's Aegis destroyer force structure. If operational deployment is achieved by December next year, the Navy will possess a total of six Aegis destroyers: three Sejong the Great-class and three Jung Jo the Great-class.
Previously, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries designed and built the Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyer No. 1, 'Sejong the Great,' in 2008, and No. 3, 'Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong,' in 2012. Subsequently, it designed and built the Jung Jo the Great-class Aegis destroyers, starting with No. 1, 'Jung Jo the Great,' followed by No. 2, 'Dasan Jeong Yak-yong,' and No. 3, 'Daeho Kim Jong-seo.' The company has built five of the six Aegis destroyers that the Korean Navy will operate.
President Lee Jae-myung stated, "Our shipbuilding industry, boasting world's number one technological capability, is our pride and the driving force behind making the Republic of Korea a maritime powerhouse," adding, "We will actively support our shipbuilding industry to maintain its super-gap advantage and take it to the next level."
Jeong Gi-seon (Chairman) emphasized, "This year marks the 50th anniversary since HD Hyundai Heavy Industries began developing the 'Ulsan' frigate, the Republic of Korea's first domestically produced combat vessel, making this launching ceremony all the more meaningful," and added, "With a sense of mission to build vessels that protect the world's seas, we will firmly safeguard the economy and security of the Republic of Korea."
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