By Franz-Stefan Gady
Seoul continues to modernize its naval capabilities.
The Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) has reportedly launched its sixth Incheon-class Future Frigate Experimental (FFX) guided-missile frigate, according to Yonhap News Agency.
The newest addition to South Korea’s Navy has been named Gwangju and was launched on August 11 in Changwon, home to Seoul’s major naval facilities including the country’s Naval Academy. It is scheduled to be handed over to the navy in early 2016 and should be commissioned by the end of the same year.
According to IHS Jane’s Defense Weekly, the Gwangju is the third vessel built by STX Offshore & Shipbuilding – the world’s fourth largest shipbuilder – and follows two ships launched in August and October 2014, respectively. The first three ships of the class were built by Hyundai Heavy Industries. The first Incheon-class frigate, the Incheon, was launched in April 2011 and commissioned in January 2013.
Read the full story at The Diplomat