SK Oceanplant Delivers Second Ulsan-class Batch-III Frigate ROKS Gyeongbuk to ROK Navy
On June 19, 2026, SK Oceanplant delivered the second Ulsan-class Batch-III frigate, ROKS Gyeongbuk, to the Republic of Korea Navy ahead of schedule at its headquarters in Goseong, South Korea. The 3,600-ton vessel features hybrid propulsion, advanced AESA radar, and enhanced weaponry. The early delivery overcame concerns about SK Oceanplant’s large combat vessel experience, marking a milestone in South Korea’s naval modernization and defense industry competitiveness. Follow-on frigates are planned at six-month intervals.
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South Korea’s DAPA delivers second Ulsan-class Batch-III frigate Gyeongbuk
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) delivered the frigate Gyeongbuk to the South Korean Navy on June 19, 2026, at SK Ocean Plant in Goseong. The vessel is the second of the Ulsan-class Batch-III program, intended to replace older frigates. The contract was signed in December 2021, launched in June 2025, and completed a year of sea trials before delivery. Gyeongbuk is equipped with a 5-inch main gun, guided missiles, anti-submarine torpedoes, and advanced domestic combat and detection systems including multi-functional AESA radar. It will undergo six months of operational readiness training before full fleet service. DAPA officials emphasized the achievement of a domestic mid-sized shipyard successfully building a warship, showcasing K-shipbuilding technology.
Naval TechnologySouth Korea's DAPA delivers second Ulsan-class Batch-III frigate Gyeongbuk
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) delivered the frigate Gyeongbuk to the South Korean Navy on 19 June 2026 at SK Ocean Plant in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province. This is the second ship of the Ulsan-class Batch-III programme, intended to replace older frigates in the Republic of Korea Navy. The first ship, Chungnam, was delivered in December 2024. The 129-meter-long frigate was contracted in December 2021, launched in June 2025, and completed about a year of sea trials before delivery. Gyeongbuk is equipped with a 5-inch naval gun, tactical surface-to-shore and surface-to-surface guided missiles, anti-ship missile defense missiles, and long-range anti-submarine torpedoes. Its combat and detection systems, including multi-functional active phased array radar, were developed using domestic technology. The vessel was handed over ahead of schedule and will undergo six months of operational readiness training before entering active service. DAPA officials highlighted the achievement as a demonstration of domestic shipbuilding capabilities and a boost to maritime security amid changing international circumstances.
Naval TechnologySouth Korea’s DAPA delivers second Ulsan-class Batch-III frigate Gyeongbuk to Navy
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) delivered the frigate Gyeongbuk to the Republic of Korea Navy on June 19, 2026, at SK Ocean Plant in Goseong. The Gyeongbuk is the second Ulsan-class Batch-III frigate, intended to replace older frigates. Its construction contract was signed in December 2021, launched in June 2025, and completed sea trials in about a year. The 129-meter vessel is equipped with a 5-inch naval gun, tactical surface-to-shore missiles, surface-to-surface missiles, anti-ship missile defense missiles, long-range anti-submarine torpedoes, and a domestically developed multi-functional active phased array radar and combat system. DAPA officials noted the delivery occurred earlier than scheduled, and the ship will undergo six months of operational readiness training before fleet assignment. The program highlights South Korea's indigenous shipbuilding technology and commitment to maritime security.
Naval TechnologySK Oceanplant Delivers Second Ulsan-class Batch-III Frigate to ROK Navy
SK Oceanplant delivered the second Ulsan-class Batch-III frigate, ROKS Gyeongbuk, to the Republic of Korea Navy on June 19, ahead of its original end-June schedule. The delivery ceremony took place at SK Oceanplant's headquarters in Goseong. The 3,600-ton frigate (4,300 tons displacement) is 129 meters long, has a maximum speed of 30 knots, and features hybrid propulsion and enhanced detection capabilities. The early delivery marks a milestone for SK Oceanplant, which faced initial market concerns about its experience in large combat vessel construction. The company has now delivered over 30 vessels to the ROK Navy and Coast Guard since 2017. Follow-on ships ROKS Jeonnam and ROKS Jeju are expected to be delivered at six-month intervals.
Naval NewsSK Oceanplant Delivers Second Ulsan-class Batch-III Frigate to ROK Navy
SK Oceanplant delivered the second Ulsan-class (FFX) Batch-III frigate, ROKS Gyeongbuk, to the Republic of Korea Navy on June 19, 2026, ahead of its scheduled end-June deadline. The 3,600-ton (4,300-ton displacement) frigate is 129 meters long, has a maximum speed of 30 knots, and features a hybrid propulsion system and enhanced detection and defensive capabilities. The delivery ceremony was held at SK Oceanplant's headquarters in Goseong, attended by ROK Navy and defense officials. The early delivery is seen as a milestone that overcame initial industry concerns about SK Oceanplant's experience in large combat vessel construction. The ship successfully passed sea trials and naval gun-firing tests. SK Oceanplant plans to deliver follow-on frigates ROKS Jeonnam and ROKS Jeju at six-month intervals, contributing to the ROK Navy's modernization and Korea's defense industry competitiveness.
Naval NewsSK Oceanplant Delivers Second Ulsan-class Batch-III Frigate ROKS Gyeongbuk to ROK Navy
SK Oceanplant delivered the second Ulsan-class (FFX) Batch-III frigate, ROKS Gyeongbuk, to the Republic of Korea Navy on June 19, 2026, ahead of its scheduled end-June deadline. The delivery ceremony was held at SK Oceanplant's headquarters in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, attended by naval and defense officials. The 3,600-ton frigate (4,300 tons displacement) measures 129 meters in length, has a maximum speed of 30 knots, and features a hybrid propulsion system with enhanced detection and defensive capabilities. The early delivery addresses initial market concerns about SK Oceanplant's limited experience in building large combat vessels, which the company overcame through systematic process management and technical verification. The vessel successfully passed sea trials and naval gun-firing tests. SK Oceanplant plans to deliver follow-on frigates ROKS Jeonnam and ROKS Jeju at approximately six-month intervals. Since becoming a defense contractor in 2017, the company has delivered over 30 vessels to the ROK Navy and Coast Guard and holds a Master Ship Repair Agreement for U.S. Navy vessel maintenance.
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