Pohang-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
| Category | Corvette |
| Subtype | Missile corvette |
| Manufacturer | Korea Shipbuilding Corporation, Korea Tacoma Shipyard, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Daewoo Shipbuilding, Hanjin Heavy Industries |
| Year commissioned | 1984 |
| Units | 756 POHANG, 757 GUNSAN, 758 GYEONGJU, 759 MOKPO, 761 GIMGHEON, 762 CHUNGJU, 763 JINJU, 765 YEOSU, 766 JINHAE, 767 SUNCHEON, 768 IRI, 769 WONJU, 771 ANDONG, 772 CHEONAN, 773 BUCHEON, 775 SEONGNAM, 776 JECHEON, 777 DAECHEON, 778 SOKCHO, 779 YEONGJU, 781 NAMWON, 782 GWANGMYEONG, 783 SINSEONG, 785 GONGJU |
| Current operators | 🇨🇴 Colombia • 🇰🇷 South Korea |
Description
The Pohang-class corvette is a class of general-purpose vessels operated by the Republic of Korea Navy. Developed primarily for coastal patrol duties, the class has also been tasked with anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and surveillance operations. The origins of the Pohang-class corvette date back to the 1980s, when South Korea aimed to bolster its naval capabilities in response to the regional maritime threats and to reduce reliance on foreign-built warships. The class was named after the city of Pohang, South Korea.
The Pohang-class corvettes are relatively small, making them suitable for a variety of coastal operations. They feature a steel hull and superstructure with a design that emphasizes simplicity and functionality. The corvettes were built in multiple batches, with later vessels receiving updates and improvements over the initial designs, reflecting advancements in technology and changing operational requirements.
In terms of armament, the Pohang-class is equipped with a mix of guns, torpedoes, and anti-ship missiles, allowing them to engage a variety of targets. The primary armament typically includes a 76 mm main gun, complemented by a 40 mm anti-aircraft gun and several 20 mm point-defense systems. For anti-submarine warfare, they are fitted with depth charge racks and torpedo launchers. Some units also carry Harpoon anti-ship missiles, enhancing their capabilities against surface combatants.
The operational history of the Pohang-class corvettes includes active involvement in various exercises and operations to safeguard South Korea's maritime interests. These vessels have played a key role in patrolling the Northern Limit Line (NLL) and have occasionally been involved in incidents and confrontations with North Korean forces.
Operating countries of the Pohang-class initially included only South Korea. However, as the ROK Navy began modernizing its fleet, several of these corvettes were decommissioned and transferred to other navies around the world, including the Philippines, Egypt, Vietnam, and Peru. These transfers often involve refurbishment and upgrades.
Technical specifications
| Pohang | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1220 tons |
| Range | 7000 km at 15 knots |
| Crew | 95 members |
| Width | 10.0 m (32.8 ft) |
| Length | 88.3 m (289.7 ft) |
| Propulsion | 1 General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine with a power of 27,200 hp + 2 MTU diesel engines - 2 propellers |
| Armament | Primary gun: Mark 46 ASW torpedo, or 12 x Mk 9 or KMk 9 depth charge |
| Maximum speed | 32 knots |