HD Hyundai Heavy Industries launches next-generation Aegis destroyer Daeho Kim Jong-seo

The Daeho Kim Jong-seo, the third next-generation Aegis destroyer set to complete the South Korean Navy's Aegis fleet, was launched Wednesday at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' Ulsan shipyard. The vessel takes its name from the title and name of General Kim Jong-seo, who led the northward expansion of territory in the early Joseon Dynasty. It will undergo sea trials before being delivered to the Navy in December next year.

The Daeho Kim Jong-seo measures 170 meters in length and 21 meters in width, with a light displacement of 8,200 tons and a top speed of 30 knots (about 55 kilometers per hour). The ship is equipped with a domestically developed advanced integrated sonar system and a ballistic missile system, enabling it to carry out interception missions beyond the capabilities of the existing Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyers.

With the launch of the Daeho Kim Jong-seo, the Navy now operates a total of six Aegis destroyers — three Sejong the Great-class vessels (KDX-III Batch-I) and three Jeongjo the Great-class vessels (KDX-III Batch-II) — completing its full Aegis destroyer fleet.

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries designed and built five of the six Aegis destroyers in the Navy's fleet: the Sejong the Great-class lead ship Sejong the Great and third ship Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong in 2008 and 2012, respectively, and the Jeongjo the Great-class lead ship Jeongjo the Great, second ship Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, and third ship Daeho Kim Jong-seo in 2024.

HD Hyundai Chairman Chung Ki-sun said this year marks the 50th anniversary of HD Hyundai Heavy Industries' development of the Ulsan, South Korea's first domestically built warship. "We will fulfill our mission of building vessels that protect the world's oceans with our own technology, and continue to contribute to South Korea's economy and national security," he said.