South Korea has launched its second King Jeongjo-class Aegis-equipped destroyer, the Dasan Jeong Yak-yong (DDG-996).
The warship was floated out at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Ulsan on September 17, according to footage provided by Yonhap TV and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
It is the second unit of the 8,200-ton King Jeongjo-class destroyers—South Korea’s newest generation of guided-missile destroyers equipped for ballistic missile defense and long-range strike.
The Dasan Jeong Yak-yong measures 170 meters in length with a beam of 21 meters. It is capable of sailing at speeds up to 30 knots. Compared to the earlier Sejong the Great-class destroyers, the new vessel offers enhanced stealth features and upgraded detection and tracking capabilities.
A central feature of the ship is its ability to intercept ballistic missiles at both the midcourse and terminal phases. It is armed with SM-3 and SM-6 missiles, giving it layered air and missile defense capabilities. The warship is also reportedly capable of carrying out deep land-attack missions using surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.
The vessel is fitted with a comprehensive undersea warfare suite including an integrated sonar system, long-range anti-submarine torpedoes, lightweight torpedoes, and an MH-60R Seahawk maritime helicopter.
In a statement, the Republic of Korea Navy described the Dasan Jeong Yak-yong as one of the most capable surface combatants in its inventory. “Together with the Jeongjo the Great, this destroyer will serve as a key pillar of Korea’s three-axis defense system and the backbone of our future maneuvering fleet,” the Navy said.
South Korean Minister of National Defense Shin Won-sik attended the launching ceremony along with more than 400 guests. Speaking at the event, Shin called the ship a “culmination of Korean shipbuilding technology and naval ambition.”
The destroyer is named after Dasan Jeong Yak-yong, a revered Korean philosopher and scientist of the Joseon Dynasty. The naming honors both Korea’s historical legacy and its modern industrial strength.
After completing sea trials, the Dasan Jeong Yak-yong is scheduled to be delivered to the Navy by late next year, where it will be assigned to the Mobile Fleet Command.
The King Jeongjo-class destroyers are part of South Korea’s broader efforts to enhance its naval strength amid growing regional threats. These advanced warships are being developed to meet evolving mission requirements, from high-end deterrence to complex joint operations in contested maritime environments.