South Korea approves naval minesweeper programme
An artist’s impression of the new MSH-II mine countermeasures vessel being designed for the ROKN. (Image: DAPA)
A new class of minesweeper has been approved for the ROK Navy, while another Daegu-class frigate has been commissioned.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in South Korea gave the green light in January for the development of new mine countermeasures vessels (MCMV), a type to be known as MSH-II.
The project has been allocated funding of KRW1.78 trillion ($1.42 billion), with Kangnam as the prime contractor for these boats that will displace somewhere between 500t and 700t.
The basic design of the MSH-IIs will be completed by 2025, with the first unit to be delivered to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) in 2029. Six boats are likely.
These MCMVs will allow the retirement of six Ganggyeong-class minehunters and
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations]()
SOF Week 2026: US NSW explores 3D-printed USVs for forward-deployed operations
US Naval Special Warfare Command is assessing the feasibility of rapidly producing expendable mid-sized USVs in theatre to support SOF and maritime security missions.
-
![SOF Week 2026: MARSOC selects upgraded Shark Marine dive navigation system]()
SOF Week 2026: MARSOC selects upgraded Shark Marine dive navigation system
MARSOC is procuring the Shark Marine Dive Tablet 2 to address a longstanding combat diver navigation capability gap, improving underwater positioning, situational awareness and integration with existing diver propulsion vehicles.
-
![SOF Week 2026: NSW expands commercial UxS push to maritime platforms as USASOC advances FPV drone effort]()
SOF Week 2026: NSW expands commercial UxS push to maritime platforms as USASOC advances FPV drone effort
The US Army Special Operations Command and Naval Special Warfare are accelerating efforts to integrate commercial uncrewed systems, with NSW broadening its solicitation to include USVs and UUVs alongside new requirements for ISR, kinetic operations and swarm technologies.
-
![SOF Week 2026: US Navy USV completes record eight-day autonomous mission]()
SOF Week 2026: US Navy USV completes record eight-day autonomous mission
The MARTAC T38 Devil Ray USV has set a new endurance benchmark as the US Navy pushes deeper into autonomous maritime warfare.
