South Korea Launches Upgrade for Yoon Youngha-Class Patrol Ships

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) initiated a performance upgrade project for the Yoon Young-ha-class Patrol Killer Guided Missile (PKG) ships on December 5 at HJ Heavy Industries in Busan.

The PKG, operational since 2008, serves as a key asset in protecting the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea, an area marked by past confrontations like the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong. These vessels replaced the older Chamsuri-class ships.

The 63-meter-long PKG class vessel, armed with Haeseong missiles (140 km range), a 76mm gun (16 km range), and a 40mm gun (600 rounds/min), reaches 40 knots and carries 40 crew. It features advanced radar, electronic warfare systems, and a combat system that tracks 100 targets and engages multiple threats simultaneously.

The upgrade project, set to continue until 2030, will align with routine maintenance schedules. Planned upgrades include replacing the anti-guided missile deception system with more effective technology, enhancing the accuracy of the 12.7mm machine gun using a remote fire control system, and improving radar and electro-optical tracking systems.