Sejong the Great-class Destroyer

Full Specifications

Sejong the Great-Class Destroyer – Aegis Naval Powerhouse

The Sejong the Great-class destroyer (KDX-III) represents one of the most capable surface combatants operating in the Indo-Pacific region today. Designed to deliver area air defense, ballistic missile tracking, and multi-role strike capabilities, this warship places the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) among the world’s most technologically advanced naval forces.

Design, Origin, and Mission Role

Built by Hyundai Heavy Industries and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, the Sejong the Great-class originates from South Korea and is heavily inspired by U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. Its primary mission is fleet air defense, ballistic missile detection, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), and land-attack operations, supporting both national and allied maritime security objectives.

Advanced Combat Capabilities

At the core of the destroyer is the Aegis Combat System paired with the AN/SPY-1D(V) phased-array radar, enabling simultaneous tracking of hundreds of airborne and surface targets at long range. With 128 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells, the ship carries a mix of SM-series surface-to-air missiles, land-attack cruise missiles, and anti-submarine rockets.

Performance and Operational Reach

Powered by a COGAG propulsion system, the Sejong the Great-class reaches speeds exceeding 30 knots and offers long endurance for extended blue-water operations. Its robust sonar suite, embarked helicopters, and network-centric warfare systems allow seamless integration with U.S. Navy and allied task forces.

Operational Significance

Deployed primarily in regional missile defense and carrier escort roles, these destroyers significantly enhance deterrence against aerial, surface, and submarine threats, making them central to South Korea–U.S. maritime cooperation.

Sejong the Great-Class Destroyer Price

The unit cost of a Sejong the Great-class destroyer is commonly cited at approximately $923 million USD per ship. This figure reflects the first batch of vessels built for the Republic of Korea Navy and is based on open-source defense data.