SKorea launches new missile boat class

Built mainly in response to 1999 clashes with DPRK, the new 'patrol' boats are much better armed than their DPRK equivilents(?).

Somewhat stealthy, and armed with the rather impressive KoreanSSMs, these are in many ways a good rival of the Type-022 - better sensor and weapons but less good stealth(?). Also twin 40mm Bfars seems an odd choice of CIWS



Anyone have any pics of the launch?

Re: SKorea launhes new missile boat class

that 40mm is indeed odd choise...all other similar sized big missile boats have atleast Goalkeeper or even SAM fit...then again DPRK is the sole advisor or South Korean littorial areas, and their current silkworm/Styx generation of SSMs can be dealed with ECM like in 1973 Yom Kibbur war.

Re: SKorea launhes new missile boat class

Hmm, that graphic makes the boat look more like a gunboat with some rocket tubes.

Though since the main use is against NK, that would work just fine too.

Re: SKorea launhes new missile boat class

I think cost is the issue - SK is planning on 40 of these, though 24 gun only.

The SSMs are 4-8 SSM-700K Haesung which have a 150km range and are very credible, at least as good as YJ-83 if not possibly more sophisticated.

The main gun is a 76mm so much better as a "gun boat" than the Type-022.

Personally I think it's a bit conventional and could do with Sea RAM or Goalkeeper in place of the 40mm gun, plus a stealthy main gun. Actually I'd bet that at least some units will get a stealthy main gun but we'll have to wait for photos to emerge,

Re: SKorea launhes new missile boat class

not really the same doctrine, so hard to compare the two. 022 are expected to be operated in packs in conjunction with AEWs. And then once finding the target, launch a bunch of missiles over before being detected and then get out of their as fast as possible. Whereas this is developed to counter North Korean boats.

Re: SKorea launhes new missile boat class

well the the doctrines behind 022 are only suitable with superpower level navy that hasen't got blue water presence, so it needs to have strong coastal defence branch...but to any other navy they would be pretty handicaped boats. The Korean boats (thougth tailored to SK special needs) still have the potential to be suited in 21st coastal defence needs in export markets. SK has been succesfull in exporting small combatants to asian nations, and the new vessel is welcome addition to the catalogue, as it has the strength needed to take various of weapon fits more suitable to the customers needs.

Hmm, that graphic makes the boat look more like a gunboat with some rocket tubes.

Click to expand...

To me it looks as good as any other modern Fac with promident Harpoon style SSM cannisters and general looks of Vita/Super Vita/Göteborg/ Lürsen 62m/Saar 4.5 class of larger missile boats. They are actually quite eyecathing in the 400 tonner class

Re: SKorea launhes new missile boat class

Gollevainen said:

To me it looks as good as any other modern Fac with promident Harpoon style SSM cannisters and general looks of Vita/Super Vita/Göteborg/ Lürsen 62m/Saar 4.5 class of larger missile boats. They are actually quite eyecathing in the 400 tonner class

Click to expand...

No doubt it's a modern FAC. It's the second gun on the back that gives me an impression of a gunboat. The definitions of FAC, missile boat, gun boat, and patrol vessel tend to overlap in areas so it's not that big of a deal to call a boat one or the other.

But I agree that comparing the 022 with this boat is a little difficult simply because each boat is designed for a different role. The 022 is designed for a stealthy strike, mostly on a larger vessel, and then leaving the scene quickly whereas the SK vessel is designed with more day-to-day, show the flag, and engage with a similar sized-vessel duty.

Re: SKorea launhes new missile boat class

Gollevainen said:

To me it looks as good as any other modern Fac with promident Harpoon style SSM cannisters and general looks of Vita/Super Vita/Göteborg/ Lürsen 62m/Saar 4.5 class of larger missile boats. They are actually quite eyecathing in the 400 tonner class

Click to expand...

As I understand it, the official name for this class will be the , designated during research and development as the PKX (Patrol Killer Experimental). The first in class is probably going to be named for one of the sailors killed in the conflict in June 2002 when the SK and NK gunboats had that fight, Yun Young-ha.

Here's another artist concept drawing:



The ROKN is planning to build 28 of these vessles with the SSMs and another 28 of these vessels with guns only as I understand. They are nice looking vessels.

Re: SKorea launhes new missile boat class

Good stuff, which I'm sure would give the North Koreans headaches if they tried anything. Of course the main threat will always be from land, but that doesn't mean SK should ignore the problems caused by NK patrol vessels.

Re: SKorea launhes new missile boat class

FuManChu said:

Good stuff, which I'm sure would give the North Koreans headaches if they tried anything. Of course the main threat will always be from land, but that doesn't mean SK should ignore the problems caused by NK patrol vessels.

Click to expand...

Can Canada buy some? We need a new Offshore Patrol Vessel, and these will fit the requirements to a t, except for the ice-resistant requirements.