South Korea Launches Third 3600 Ton Chungnam-Class Frigate ROKS Jeonnam

On November 25, 2025, the Republic of Korea Navy marked a major milestone with the launch of the ROKS Jeonnam (FFG-831), the third vessel in the Ulsan-class Batch-III / Chungnam-class frigate series. The ceremony was held at SK Oceanplant’s shipyard in Goseong, South Gyeongsang Province, highlighting South Korea’s accelerating push to modernize its surface fleet and replace aging Ulsan- and Pohang-class vessels.

A Ceremony Rich in Naval Tradition

The event brought together nearly 150 attendees, including senior naval leadership and government officials. Among them were Chairman Sung Il-jong of the National Assembly Defense Committee, Admiral Kang Dong-gil, Chief of Naval Operations, and DAPA Deputy Minister Kang Hwan-seok, alongside executives from the shipbuilder.
The ceremony followed long-standing maritime customs. After the official briefing and name proclamation, Im Sun-hee, wife of Chairman Sung, cut the ceremonial rope tied to the frigate’s bow—formally marking the ship’s departure from the construction phase. A multicolored ribbon cutting and the traditional champagne bottle break against the hull completed the launch ritual.

Capabilities of a New-Generation Korean Warship

Designed as a 3,600-ton multirole frigate, the ROKS Jeonnam is built to perform air defense, anti-surface, land-attack, and anti-submarine missions.
It features the Korean Vertical Launching System (KVLS) supporting a wide range of guided missiles, an integrated sensor mast equipped with a four-sided multifunction phased-array radar, and an IRST system for passive detection.
Underwater capabilities are strengthened by hull-mounted and towed-array sonar, while the ship’s hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system reduces noise during anti-submarine operations. A 5-inch gun and anti-ship missiles provide additional firepower, making Jeonnam one of the most advanced frigates ever produced in South Korea.

Part of a Larger Expansion Strategy

The Jeonnam is the third of six planned Batch-III frigates, forming the final chapter of South Korea’s FFX frigate program. These ships are designed to operate as frontline assets in coastal and regional waters, enhancing maritime situational awareness, surveillance, and deterrence.
The lead ship ROKS Chungnam and the second vessel ROKS Gyeongbuk are already advancing through trials and integration phases, positioning the Navy for a comprehensive upgrade to its mid-sized combat fleet.

The Contract, Deal Value, and Timeline

Construction of ROKS Jeonnam was commissioned to SK Oceanplant in October 2022 as part of South Korea's expanding reliance on domestic shipbuilders.
Separately, the contract for the final two Chungnam-class vessels was signed on November 10, 2023, between DAPA and Hanwha Ocean, valued at ₩791.73 billion (approximately USD 596 million).
The timeline for Jeonnam is now clear:

• Launch: November 25, 2025

• Outfitting & trials: Through late 2026

• Delivery to Navy: December 2026

• Operational entry: Expected by early–mid 2027

Strengthening South Korea’s Maritime Defense Posture

Officials at the ceremony emphasized that frigates like Jeonnam are essential in an era of growing maritime threats—from submarine proliferation to long-range missile challenges. The Chungnam-class design, built around indigenous technology, reflects South Korea’s ambition to field a self-reliant, export-capable naval industry.
As the Jeonnam begins its outfitting phase, it stands as the latest symbol of the nation’s commitment to securing its maritime borders and expanding its strategic influence in surrounding seas.