VESSEL REVIEW | ROKS Chungnam – Republic of Korea Navy's newest frigate boasts improved air defence and anti-submarine capabilities

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has taken delivery of a new guided-missile frigate built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI).

Named after the South Korean central province, ROKS Chungnam (충남) is also the lead ship of a similarly named class, which will consist of six frigates. All Chungnam-class ships are scheduled to be completed by HHI and two other local shipyards and delivered to the ROKN by the middle of 2028.

The third ROKN ship to bear the name Chungnam has a length of 129 metres (423 feet), a beam of 15 metres (49 feet), a displacement of 3,600 tonnes, space for 125 crewmembers, and a combined diesel-electric or gas (CODLOG) propulsion arrangement.

The propulsion system consisting of two Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbines, four MTU 12V4000 M43B generators, and two Leonardo permanent magnet motors can deliver a top speed of 30 knots, a cruising speed of 15 knots, and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.

HHI said the CODLOG setup was selected as it can generate less underwater noise, thus reducing the possibility of the frigate being detected by hostile submarines.

The high speeds meanwhile afforded by the gas turbine propulsion is ideal for fast transits, such as when responding to imminent surface or airborne threats.

Extensive weapons and sensors suite for countering air and subsurface threats

The frigate boasts significantly enhanced anti-air warfare capability through the installation of a Hanwha Systems four-sided, multi-functional phased array radar that can provide 360 degrees of coverage without any blind spots, a Hanwha Systems combat management system, an LIG Nex1 SPG-540K fire control radar, and a vertical launch system for K-SAAM surface-to-air missiles.

This array of systems enable the ship to simultaneously track and intercept up to eight airborne targets such as aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.

The other sensors include an SAQ-560K electro-optical tracking system and an SAQ-600K infrared search and tracking system, both supplied by LIG Nex1. These will permit more accurate target tracking and interception at short ranges, thus freeing up the ship’s more powerful radars for medium- to long-range engagements.

The ship is also armed with a Hyundai WIA 127mm naval gun, a CIWS-II 30mm close-in weapon system for point defence against low-flying missiles and aircraft, Haeryong land attack missiles, depth charges and K745 Blue Shark lightweight torpedoes.

Modernising the ROKN's coastal patrol fleet

Space is available on board for two rigid inflatable boats that the frigate’s crew can use for at-sea interceptions and boardings during maritime border patrols.

Chungnam and its five sisters are slated to replace some of the ROKN’s ageing small surface combatants such as the Ulsan-class frigates and the Pohang-class corvettes, which first entered service in the 1980s. The new frigate is presently undergoing a six-month training cycle, after which it will begin its operational deployments primarily in coastal waters.