South Korean Navy Receives First PKX-B Batch-II Fast Patrol Craft

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) delivered the first PKX-B (Geomdoksuri-B) Batch-II fast patrol craft, built by HJ Heavy Industries, to the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) on August 14, 2026. The vessel is the first of an eventual 18-craft class of next-generation patrol boats.

At a Glance

HJ Heavy Industries handed over the first PKX-B Batch-II fast patrol craft to the ROKN on August 14, 2026.
The program calls for 18 vessels in total; the delivered craft will be formally commissioned after force integration is complete.
Three more craft are slated for handover before the end of the year; the first four vessels were launched together at a ceremony on December 8, 2025.
The vessel is 44 metres long, has a 7-metre beam, and displaces about 230 tonnes; it is waterjet-propelled, reaches roughly 40 knots, and is operated by a crew of 20-23.
Armament includes a 76mm Hyundai WIA naval gun, a 12-cell 130mm Biryong guided rocket launcher, and remotely operated 12.7mm weapon stations.

Background

The PKX-B program is designed to replace South Korea’s ageing Chamsuri-class patrol killer medium (PKM) craft with a next-generation fast patrol boat. The Batch-II series features upgraded weapons and sensor suites compared to the earlier Batch-I vessels. The program’s 18-vessel target forms an important part of South Korea’s strategy to strengthen coastal and near-sea security, with these craft expected to play a role in patrol duties around the Northern Limit Line (NLL) and in rapid-response scenarios. The delivery of the first vessel marks a concrete step into the program’s serial production phase.

Regional Impact

Although the program does not directly involve Turkey, it is significant for coastal-security and fast-attack/patrol-craft procurement trends across the Asia-Pacific region. Platforms built with South Korea’s domestic design capacity could shape demand for similar-class vessels among other regional navies. The PKX-B program also illustrates that South Korea’s defence industry has serial-production capacity not just for major combatants but for medium and small platforms as well.