The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has received the 15th domestically-built Gumdoksuri-class Patrol Killer Experimental (PKX) fast-attack craft (FAC), Park Dongjin.
IHS Jane’s cites the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) as saying that the vessel has been delivered by Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction to the navy command, located in Jinhae-gu, 410km south of Seoul.
Upon completion of two months of test-run programmes, the vessel will conduct patrol missions, which are aimed at defending the nation’s shoreline and harbour waters, DAPA said.
Capable of cruising at a top speed of 40k, the 450t high-speed vessel provides cooperative engagement capability and is fitted with the latest weaponry, including ship-to-ship guided missiles and 76mm guns, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The Gumdoksuri-class ships, which can accommodate a crew of more than 40, are also outfitted with surface to surface fire/air control systems and are armed with KSSM anti-ship missiles and advanced radar systems.
The two variants are the Gumdoksuri A, which is armed with anti-ship missiles, and Gumdoksuri B, a 200t patrol boat.
Powered by combined diesel and gas (CODAG), the ships are integrated with Dyneema HB25 for protection against a spectrum of ballistic threats, as well as EOTS and tracking radar to identify more than 100 targets simultaneously.
In addition, they are protected by an aluminium and glass-epoxy resin layer to reduce the overall weight while maintaining flame retardant properties.
