New South Korean Destroyer Formation Practices Missile Defense in First-ever Fleet Wargames

November 12, 2025

USNI News

New South Korean Destroyer Formation Practices Missile Defense in First-ever Fleet Wargames

Aaron-Matthew Lariosa

November 12, 2025 11:47 AM

The Republic of Korea Navy’s most capable warships, including Sejong the Great-class and Jeongjo the Great-class Aegis destroyers, as well as Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers, participated in the drills, which spanned Nov. 9-11, 2025, in the Sea of Japan and Korean Strait. Republic of Korea Navy photo

Destroyers from the South Korean Navy’s new surface action formation held the first fleet-level maritime training exercise over the weekend in a demonstration of Seoul’s growing blue water naval capabilities.

The Jeju Island-based Task Fleet command was formed earlier this year as a rapid response force to counter strategic threats from North Korea and project the service’s power beyond Seoul’s maritime boundaries. The Republic of Korea Navy’s most capable warships, including Sejong the Great-class and Jeongjo the Great-class Aegis destroyers, as well as Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers, participated in the drills. The command consists of three units – the 71st, 72nd and 73rd task squadrons – each unit led by an Aegis destroyer, Naval News Reported.

Contact

Curtis Stiles - Chief of Staff