Navy Holds Combined Launching Ceremony for Four New Chamsuri High-Speed Patrol Boats

The Navy and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced on December 8 that a combined launching ceremony was held in the afternoon at HJ Shipbuilding & Construction in Busan for the new high-speed patrol boats (PKMR) Batch-II Chamsuri-231, 232, 233, and 235. These new high-speed patrol boats are 230 tons in class and measure 45 meters in length.

The launching ceremony was attended by approximately 70 people, including Rear Admiral Ahn Sangmin, Commander of the Naval Logistics Command, who served as the main guest; Colonel Ji Sanghyuk, Acting Director of the Ship Project Department at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration; and Yoo Sangcheol, Head of Shipbuilding at HJ Shipbuilding & Construction, along with other officials from the military, government, and private sector. In accordance with naval tradition, the main guest's wife, Kim Myunga, cut the launching rope connected to the vessel.

The new high-speed patrol boats (PKMR) Batch-I/II are equipped with 130mm guided rockets, search radar, electro-optical tracking devices, and a 76mm naval gun, offering enhanced combat capabilities compared to the previous 150-ton class Chamsuri (PKM) patrol boats. Once deployed, these vessels will be stationed in forward maritime areas to conduct coastal surveillance and carry out missions to block and eliminate infiltrating forces.

The Chamsuri-231, 232, 233, and 235, which were launched this time, are the first through fourth vessels of the new high-speed patrol boat Batch-II. Compared to the previously deployed Batch-I vessels, they feature improved combat systems and user operability. In addition, the control and launch functions for the 130mm guided rockets and the 12.7mm remote-controlled weapon system have been integrated into the combat system, and their electronic warfare response capabilities, including anti-jamming functions, have also been strengthened.

In his congratulatory remarks, Commander Ahn stated, "The state-of-the-art high-speed patrol boats, newly built by our own hands, will carry on the commitment of our predecessors to protect the seas, and will flawlessly execute their assigned missions based on advanced combat systems, precision electronic warfare equipment, and anti-guided missile decoy systems."

Meanwhile, the Chamsuri-231, 232, 233, and 235 will undergo sea trials and will be sequentially delivered to the Navy from August to November next year, after which they will be operationally deployed following the force integration process.