HD Hyundai Heavy Industries launches new frigate Chungnam

HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (formerly Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. ) held on Monday a launch ceremony for the new 3,600-ton-class frigate "Chungnam" at its headquarters in Ulsan. 

The Chungnam is the first ship of Ulsan-class Batch-III, which will build a total of six new 3,600-ton-class frigate. It inherited the name of the previous Chungnam (FF-953), a 1,500-ton-class decommissioned in 2017.

It has a length of 129 meters, a width of 15 meters and a weight of 3,600 tons, and can travel at a maximum speed of 55 km/h. It is equipped with a four-face fixed multifunction phased array radar that can detect, track and respond to threats in 360 degrees, significantly enhancing its air defense capabilities compared to the existing Ulsan class.

In particular, it can escape detection threats from submarines by using a hybrid propulsion system that generates less noise with an electric propulsion system. In case of emergencies, it can also perform high-speed operations using gas turbine propulsion, enhancing its operational capabilities.

The Chungnam, launched on this day, will be delivered to the Navy at the end of next year after testing and commissioning.

In addition to the new escort ship, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries is also building major Korean Navy vessels such as the modernized Sejong the Great-class destroyers and three next-generation Aegis destroyers. They are also developing the core future power of the Navy, such as the Korea Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX).