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Meet the ROKS Dokdo, South Korean Navy amphibious ship of 199 meters and capacity for 720 troops.
The ROKS Dokdo, the main amphibious assault ship of the South Korean Navy, has played a strategic role since it entered service in 2007. Built in Busan and launched in 2005, the ship was designed to transport troops, vehicles, and aircraft for military and humanitarian missions. Additionally, in November 2024, the vessel drew attention again by participating in tests with a short takeoff drone, demonstrating its adaptation to new combat technologies.
ROKS Dokdo: origin, construction, and strategic importance
The project for the ROKS Dokdo officially began on October 28, 2002, with construction carried out by Hanjin Heavy Industries & Constructions in the city of Busan. The total investment was approximately $650 million.
Named after the islets known as the Liancourt Rocks — whose sovereignty is disputed between South Korea and Japan — the ship also carries a political and symbolic significance. The choice of name generated a reaction from the Japanese government, which expressed discontent at the time.
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The ship entered service on July 3, 2007, and for years served as the flagship of the South Korean Navy’s Fifth Fleet until it was replaced by the ROKS Marado in 2018.
Operational capacity of the ship impresses
Designed for amphibious operations, the ship has great versatility in military and support scenarios. It is capable of transporting troops, armored vehicles, and aircraft simultaneously.
Among its main capabilities, the following stand out:
- Transport of up to 720 marines
- Capacity for 200 military vehicles
- Transport of 6 tanks and 7 amphibious vehicles
- Operation with up to 15 helicopters
- Transport of landing craft such as LCAC
In addition, the ship has a crew capacity of approximately 330 people.
ROKS Dokdo in real missions and military exercises
Throughout its operation, the ROKS Dokdo has participated in significant actions. In March 2010, for example, the ship was mobilized in search and rescue operations following the sinking of the ROKS Cheonan.
Just a few months later, in July of the same year, it took part in Operation Invincible Spirit, a joint military exercise that reinforced cooperation among allies.
These participations show that the ship operates not only in combat scenarios but also in support and emergency response missions.
Drone tests mark a new phase for ROKS Dokdo
In November 2024, the ROKS Dokdo was used in a test with the Gray Eagle drone, an unmanned aerial vehicle with short takeoff capability.
During the experiment:
- The drone took off directly from the ship
- Conducted two flights close to the port side
- Simulated landing procedures
- Subsequently proceeded to an airbase in Pohang, where it landed
Although it did not land on the ship, the test demonstrated the feasibility of integration between drones and naval operations, enhancing the strategic capabilities of the vessel.
Technical specifications of the ship
Below, see the main technical data of the ROKS Dokdo organized:
| Feature | Details |
| Length | 199 meters |
| Width | 31 meters |
| Full displacement | 18,800 tons |
| Maximum speed | 23 knots (43 km/h) |
| Propulsion | 4 diesel engines |
| Troop capacity | 720 military personnel |
| Aerial vehicles | Up to 15 helicopters |
| Crew | 330 people |
ROKS Dokdo Systems and Armaments
The ship also has modern defense and monitoring systems. Among them:
- SMART-L Air Search Radar
- MW08 Surface Radar
- AN/SPS-95K Navigation System
- SONATA Electronic Warfare Equipment
- Chaff Launchers
In terms of armament, the highlights are:
- Two CIWS (Close-In Weapon Systems)
- RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile
These resources ensure protection against aerial and maritime threats.
A Ship Adapted to New Military Demands
With nearly two decades of operation, the ROKS Dokdo remains active and relevant within the South Korean Navy. Its robust structure, combined with technological adaptability, allows it to continue being used in both traditional missions and innovative tests, such as the use of drones.
Thus, the ship maintains its strategic importance, combining military transport, logistical support, and integration with new technologies in the modern naval landscape.
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