South Korea to Launch Guided Missile Frigate Today

South Korea is set to launch “Seoul,” its new 2,800-ton guided missile frigate, featuring advanced sonar and power systems, today.

The launch ceremony for the third frigate built under the country’s project FGG-II, will take place at Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipyard in the south-eastern port city of Ulsan, Yonhap reported, citing the navy.

The 122-meter-long ship is equipped with guided missiles and guns and can carry a helicopter for marine operations. The warship boasts of advanced anti-submarine patrol and combat capabilities, as it employs an advanced sonar system as well as a hybrid propulsion system that reduces the level of noise the vessel makes underwater, the report said.

It will be delivered to the military in early 2021 after additional preparations are completed, and several more vessels of this class will be built by the early 2020s, according to the Navy.