Yoon Youngha-class patrol vessel

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The Yoon Youngha-class patrol vessel, also known as the PKG-class, is a two-variant patrol ship family of the Republic of Korea Navy. It was created to modernize Korea’s coastal patrol and replace older ships.

Two variants
- PKX-A (PKG): the larger, missile-armed version.
- PKX-B (PKMR): the smaller, gun-armed version.

Development and purpose
- Development started in 2003 after a clash with North Korean patrol boats in 2002.
- The program (Patrol Killer eXperimental, PKX) aims to upgrade patrol capability and take on roles from older ships.
- PKX-A was designed to handle additional patrol duties and anti-ship missions; PKX-B was designed to supplement the fleet with faster, gun-armed vessels to replace aging Chamsuri-class boats.
- First PKX-A ship, Yoon Youngha, was launched in June 2007 and commissioned in December 2008. PKX-A ships are built by Hanjin Heavy Industries and STX in four-ship lots.
- PKX-B began launching in 2016 and was commissioned in late 2017; ships 5–8 were contracted in 2017, with more orders placed in 2018. PKX-B is specifically designed to counter fast North Korean boats, using a 130 mm guided rocket launcher.

Key specifications and capabilities
- PKX-A (PKG)
- Displacement: about 570 tonnes
- Length: 63 meters
- Speed: about 44 knots
- Range: roughly 2,000 nautical miles at 15 knots
- Propulsion: CODAG system with multiple gas turbines and waterjets
- Sensors: advanced surface radar and 3D surveillance radar, fire-control radar and electro-optical targeting
- Armament: 76 mm gun, 40 mm guns, 4 × Haesung 130 mm anti-ship guided missiles, 12.7 mm guns, anti-ship and air-defense capability, decoys
- Other: electronic warfare suite and decoy systems
- PKX-B (PKMR)
- Displacement: about 200 tonnes
- Length: 44 meters
- Speed: about 40 knots
- Propulsion: CODAG
- Sensors: similar to PKG, with standard radar and targeting systems
- Armament: 76 mm gun, 2 × 12.7 mm machine guns, 12-launcher 130 mm guided rockets
- Other: electronic warfare suite and decoy systems

Service status
- PKX-A (PKG): several units built and active; planned total 18.
- PKX-B (PKMR): several units built and active; planned total 34.

The Yoon Youngha-class ships mix fast coastal patrol with modern sensors and weapons, giving the Republic of Korea Navy enhanced capability to patrol coastal waters and counter small, fast-attack threats.