South Korea builds new military supply ships for its army

South Korea is working on a project to develop new military supply ships for its military, Naval News reported.

“South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Agency has selected Hanwha Ocean to build a new Soyang-class military supply ship for the military,” the website said. “The future deal with the company is estimated at $331 million. The development contract is expected to be signed in August, and the ship is expected to be delivered in December 2028.”

The website pointed out that the South Korean Navy currently includes the fast military supply ship "Cheonggi", which entered service in 1991, and a supply ship of the Soyang type, manufactured by Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Soyang ships are used to support military ships in the seas and oceans, and are equipped with ship repair equipment, equipment for transporting and loading goods, and equipment for providing medical care to passengers of ships that may be involved in accidents. Despite their large size, these ships have high maneuverability capabilities in the water.

According to available information, the new Soyang ships will be 190 meters long, 25 meters wide, and will displace 23,000 tons of water. They will also be able to move at a speed of 24 knots and cover 5,500 miles on each mission.

These ships will be equipped with 20mm Phalanx machine guns for protection, and will be equipped with helicopter platforms.