Republic of Korea Navy receives MTB

The Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy has received its first naval training ship from shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC).

The multipurpose training boat (MTB) can support anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training, anti-surface and anti-air missile drills.

Hanjin began construction of the 45-metre catamaran vessel in July 2015.

Powered by two waterjets for a top speed of 25 knots and a range of 500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots, it has an overall beam of 15 metres, a draught of more than two metres, and a loaded displacement of 280 tonnes.

South Korean news agency Yonhap reported that the vessel will enter service this month after a two-week familiarisation period.

The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) organised the handover.