BUSAN, South Korea — South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) delivered the first PKX-B Batch-II fast patrol craft, also known as the Geomdoksuri-B or Patrol Killer Medium Rocket (PKMR), to the Republic of Korea Navy on August 14, 2026. The handover ceremony was held at HJ Shipbuilding & Construction’s Yeongdo Shipyard in Busan.
The PKX-B program is designed to replace the Navy’s aging Chamsuri-class Patrol Killer Medium (PKM) boats. DAPA completed the Batch-I program between 2017 and 2022, delivering 16 vessels, while the Batch-II program began in 2022. The first four Batch-II vessels were launched together on December 8, 2025, and named Chamsuri-231, Chamsuri-232, Chamsuri-233 and Chamsuri-235. After completing sea trials, the lead vessel was handed over on August 14.
The first Batch-II craft will complete the Navy’s operational deployment process before being assigned to the Northern Limit Line (NLL) area for territorial waters protection and coastal surveillance. DAPA plans to deliver the remaining three vessels from the initial group by the end of 2026, while the overall Batch-II program is planned to add up to 18 PKMR vessels.
Upgrades in Batch-II
Compared with Batch-I, the new vessels include several improvements based on operational experience. The control and firing functions of the 130 mm Biryong guided rocket system and 12.7 mm remote-controlled weapon system are now integrated into the ship’s combat system. The vessels also have improved anti-jamming capability for operations in electronic warfare environments.
The electro-optical tracking system (EOTS) has received a major winter-operability improvement, with heater output increased from 200 watts to 600 watts. The change is intended to prevent snow, ice and freezing seawater from affecting sensor availability during winter operations.
The search radar has also been modified to allow finer frequency-spacing adjustments to reduce interference between onboard systems. Other changes include a raised helm station to improve the helmsman’s forward visibility while seated and a fire damper in the ventilation duct of the 76 mm gun ammunition magazine to limit the spread of flames into the magazine during a nearby fire.
Weapons and performance
The PKX-B Batch-II craft measures approximately 44 meters in length and 7 meters in beam, with a displacement of about 230 tons. It uses waterjet propulsion with a combined diesel and gas (CODAG) configuration and can reach around 40 knots. The crew consists of approximately 20 to 23 personnel.
Its armament includes a 76 mm Hyundai WIA naval gun, a 12-cell 130 mm Biryong guided rocket launcher, and remotely controlled 12.7 mm weapon stations. Sensors include an upgraded search radar, such as the SPS-560K, and the improved EOTS.
Choi Sang-deok, head of DAPA’s Naval Ship Program Department, said the first Batch-II vessel has strong on-scene response capabilities that will help deter provocations. He also said construction and delivery of the remaining vessels will continue using proven domestic technologies to support coastal defense along the NLL.
The PKX-B fleet will operate alongside the Yoon Young-ha-class PKX-A/PKG vessels and existing Batch-I PKMRs as South Korea continues to modernize its coastal patrol forces.
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