Gwanggaeto Daewang (KDD-I)

The Gwanggaeto the Great-class destroyers, often called KDX-I, are destroyers, but are classified by some as frigates, operated by the Republic of Korea Navy. Their commissioning was the first phase of ROKN's KDX program, in moving the ROK Navy from a coastal defence force to a blue-water navy.

Developed under the KDX-I program in the late 1980s, this class was designed to replace aging, second-hand American destroyers and transition the Republic of Korea Navy into a modern blue-water force. The lead vessel, ROKS Gwanggaeto the Great, was launched in 1996 and officially entered service in July 1998, followed by two sister ships. Throughout their operational history, these vessels have participated in major multinational exercises like RIMPAC and deployed to the Gulf of Aden for counter-piracy operations. Between 2020 and 2021, the class underwent a comprehensive modernization program to upgrade their combat management systems, ensuring they remain active in frontline service today.