Dokdo-class

Summary

Description

The Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship is a class of landing platform helicopter (LPH) operated by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The ship was designed and built by Hanjin Heavy Industries (HHIC) with the goal of enhancing South Korea's amphibious operation capability. The ship operates from over the horizon, reducing the risk of enemy detection or attack. It can carry up to 720 marines, ten tanks, ten trucks, 7 AAVs, three field artillery pieces, and two LCAC hovercraft or ten helicopters when no ground vehicles are on its hangar deck.

The Dokdo-class assault ship was equipped with the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile system for self-defense and the Goalkeeper close-in weapon system (CIWS). The second ship of this class, Marado, has some changes compared to Dokdo. It includes the ability to accommodate two V-22 Osprey helicopters, different suite of weapons, and the use of the Elta Systems EL/M-2248 MF-STAR multifunction surveillance radar.

The Dokdo-class amphibious assault ships have been involved in several operations, proposed for both UN peacekeeping operations and disaster relief. As of 2022, there were no official plans for operating F-35B aircraft from these ships. By 2020, the ROK Navy planned to deploy two to three rapid response fleets, comprising various classes of destroyers, frigates, and submarines, with the Dokdo-class LPH acting as the flagship. The Dokdo-class is similar in size to other light aircraft carriers like the Spanish Navy's former aircraft carrier Príncipe de Asturias and the Royal Thai Navy's Chakri Naruebet.

Technical specifications