Dokdo-class

Summary

Origin country 🇰🇷 South Korea
Category Amphibious vessel
SubtypeLanding platform helicopter
ManufacturerHanjin Heavy Industries
Year commissioned2007
Approx. unit cost$285 million
Units 6111 (독도 (獨島)) Dokdo
6112 (마라도 (馬羅島)) Marado

Operators

🇰🇷 South Korea

Technical specifications

Displacement19500 tons
Crew330 members
Width31.0 m (101.7 ft)
Length199.0 m (652.9 ft)
Air Park
  • Up to 15 helicopters (UH-1H, UH-60P or Super Lynx)
  • Can support VTOL jets
  • V-22 Ospreys
  • Gray Eagle STOL UAV
Propulsion

4 SEMT Pielstick 16 PC2.5 STC marine diesel engine 24 MW (32,000 shp)

Armament
  • 2 x Goalkeeper CIWS (LPH-6111)
  • 2 x Phalanx CIWS (LPH-6112)
  • 1 x RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (LPH-6111)
  • 4 x K-VLS cells (LPH-6112)
  • K-SAAM (LPH-6112)
Maximum speed23 knots

Description

The Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship is a landing platform helicopter (LPH) class operated by the Republic of Korea Navy. Hanjin Heavy Industries designed and built the vessels to meet blue-water navy requirements and to support amphibious operations and military operations other than war. The class is planned to be succeeded by the CVX program.

The ships feature a well deck to accommodate amphibious assault vehicles and landing craft air cushion (LCAC) vessels. The design incorporates stealth technologies and supports an over-the-horizon assault concept, which utilizes high-speed air-cushioned vehicles and helicopters for landings. The flight deck is treated with urethane to support vertical take-off and landing aircraft. While the class has primarily operated land-based helicopters such as the UH-1H and UH-60P, development of an amphibious variant of the KAI Surion was initiated for ship-borne use. The second ship of the class, ROKS Marado, includes modifications such as a flight deck adapted for V-22 Osprey operations and different sensor suites and weapon systems compared to the lead vessel.

ROKS Dokdo was launched on 12 July 2005 and entered service on 3 July 2007. ROKS Marado was launched on 14 May 2018 and entered service on 28 June 2021. ROKS Dokdo provided assistance during search and rescue efforts following the sinking of ROKS Cheonan. In November 2024, the Republic of Korea Navy used ROKS Dokdo to test the Gray Eagle STOL unmanned aerial vehicle, which performed a take-off and a simulated landing procedure. The ships are also intended for roles in disaster relief and United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of ship is the Dokdo-class?
The Dokdo-class is a amphibious vessel (Landing platform helicopter) built by South Korea.
What is the displacement of the Dokdo-class?
The Dokdo-class has a displacement of 19,500 tons.
What is the maximum speed of the Dokdo-class?
The Dokdo-class has a maximum speed of 23 knots (42 km/h).
How many crew members serve on the Dokdo-class?
The Dokdo-class has a crew complement of 330 personnel.
How many Dokdo-class ships have been built?
20 vessels of the Dokdo-class have been built.
Which countries operate the Dokdo-class?
The Dokdo-class is operated by South Korea.
How much does a Dokdo-class cost?
The Dokdo-class has an estimated unit cost of approximately $285 million.
Wikipedia and other open sources. Last updated on 18 January 2026. Suggest a change