Republic of Korea Navy launches new Daegu-class frigate Pohang.

According to information published by Yonhap News Agency on September 8, 2021, the Republic of Korea Navy held a launching ceremony for the new Daegu-class frigate Pohang with improved anti-submarine capabilities.
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New Daegu-class frigate ROKS Pohang FFG-825 (Picture source: Global Economic News)

The ceremony was held at its manufacturer Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co.'s Okpo shipyard on the southern island of Geoje, with the attendance of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. Won In-choul.

The new warship will be delivered to the Navy in early 2023 after a trial period.

The Daegu-class frigate is a class of guided-missile frigates of the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). Eight Daegu-class ships are planned, with the final goal of 20-22 frigates (of all types) in the ROKN. The Daegu-class frigates are to be built by Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and Hyundai Heavy Industries.

The Daegu-class is an improved variant of the Incheon-class frigate. Modifications to the Incheon-class include a TB-250K towed array sonar system and a 16-cell Korean Vertical Launching System (K-VLS) that is able to deploy the K-SAAM, Hong Sang Eo anti-submarine missile, and Haeryong tactical land-attack cruise missiles.

The Daegu-class is the first Korean warship to be equipped with a combined diesel-electric or gas (CODLOG) propulsion system. The propulsion system of the ROKN ships has a gas turbine direct-drive and four high-speed diesel generators driving two Leonardo DRS permanent magnet electric motors.

The Daegu-class frigate is armed with one 5 inch (127 mm)/L62 caliber Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun, one 20 mm Phalanx CIWS (Close-In Weapon System), two triple torpedo tubes for K745 Blue Shark torpedo, eight SSM-700K Haeseong Anti-ship Missile and 16-cell K-VLS (Vertical Launching System) able to launch Haegung K-SAAM surface-to-air missile, Haeryong VL-Tactical anti-ship cruise Missiles and K-ASROC Red Shark anti-submarine missile.