Hyundai Heavy Launches Korean Aegis Destroyer

Hyundai Heavy Industries, the world’s biggest shipbuilder, today launched Korea’s third 7,600 ton class Aegis destroyer, the Ryu Sung-ryong.

The launch ceremony was attended by Minister of Defense Mr. Kim Kwan-jin, Chief of Naval Operations Mr. Kim Sung-chan, Hyundai Heavy Industries president & CEO Mr. Lee Jai-seong, and other officials from government and military authorities.

The Aegis destroyer was named after a scholar-official of Joseon Dynasty of Korea, Ryu Sung-ryong, who was in charge of military operations during the Imjin War, 1592-1598.

The destroyer, measuring 165.9m long, 21m wide and 49m deep, is equipped with an Aegis combat system. The system includes the SPY-1D radar, capable of detecting and tracking 1,000 targets and attacking 20 of those targets simultaneously. The destroyer also has a wide-ranging anti-ship, anti-aircraft, and anti-submarine defense system.

The Ryu Sung-ryong destroyer is due for final delivery to the Republic of Korea Navy by August 2012 after sea trials. As a cornerstone of Korea’s defense industry, Hyundai Heavy’s technology has been used for all Korean Aegis destroyers, two of which have been built in Ulsan.

Since constructing and delivering the first Korean-built frigate Ulsan-ham in 1980, Hyundai Heavy has grown as a leading naval ship builder by delivering 56 naval ships including the first Korean Aegis destroyer Sejong the Great, 3 KDX-II destroyers, 4 frigates, 3 submarines, and 24 patrol/salvage ships.

Hyundai Heavy has also exported various naval ships including supply ship and high-speed ships to navies in New Zealand, Bangladesh and Venezuela.

Hyundai Heavy Industries builds the best ships in the world and is an integrated heavy industries company with business divisions specializing in shipbuilding, marine engines and machinery, offshore and engineering, industrial plant and engineering, electro electric systems, green energy, and construction equipment.
Source: HHI