Pohang-class

The Pohang-class patrol combat corvette was developed under the Republic of Korea’s 1st Yulgok Project to serve as a complement in a high-low mix naval construction plan. While originally intended as a second batch of the Donghae-class, the vessels were reclassified after the adoption of a V-shaped hull design similar to the Ulsan-class frigate. This design necessitated the installation of fin stabilizers to maintain ship stability.

The class is powered by a combined diesel or gas propulsion system. Construction occurred across six distinct batches, with variations in combat management systems and sensor suites. Batch IV vessels introduced an integrated combat management system developed in collaboration with Ferranti. Armament evolved from single primary gun mounts on early ships to twin mounts on later batches, supplemented by close-in weapon systems. Anti-submarine capabilities include sonar and torpedo tubes. Due to budget constraints during development, the class was not equipped with air-search radar, relying instead on electronic support measures and decoys for defense against air and missile threats.

The Republic of Korea Navy commissioned 24 ships in this class between 1984 and 1993. Their operational history is characterized by littoral zone protection and patrolling the Northern Limit Line. In 1986, a class vessel sunk an armed North Korean ship, and in 1998, a semi-submarine was sunk near Yeosu. During the First Battle of Yeonpyeong in 1999, ROKS Yeongju sunk a torpedo boat. In 2010, ROKS Cheonan was sunk by a torpedo attack.

The Republic of Korea Navy began decommissioning the class in 2009. Several vessels have been transferred to foreign operators, including the navies of Colombia, Egypt, Peru, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Other decommissioned units have been designated as memorial ships or are used for naval training. Active vessels remain in service with the Republic of Korea Navy and various international recipients.