South Korea’s Marine Corps launches first combat vessel

South Korea’s Marine Corps is set to introduce its first vessel since the force was founded.

The Marine Corps and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said on the afternoon of the 11th that they will hold a launching ceremony for the High-Speed Combat Boat (HCB-001), named Marlin, at the Gangnam Shipyard in Saha-gu, Busan.

According to the announcement, the High-Speed Combat Boat is designed to outperform the Marine Corps’ existing inflatable and older rigid inflatable boats in speed, protection, and firepower. The service said the new platform is faster, offers higher protective capability, and carries stronger armaments than the Rigid Inflatable Boats previously used by Marine units.

The Marlin is equipped with systems including a Remote Controlled Weapon Station, allowing weapons to be operated from within the protected cabin. By applying a domestically developed waterjet propulsion system, the vessel is capable of high mobility, including operations in shallow waters. The Marine Corps said the boat can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometers per hour even in shallow-water areas.

To improve survivability, bulletproof panels have been installed in key sections of the hull and cabin. Officials said this marks a clear departure from earlier Marine Corps boats, which featured open structures and offered little protection from enemy fire or environmental exposure. The new design includes an enclosed cabin that shields the crew from wind, rain, and waves, while also improving overall working conditions during extended operations.

The Marlin measures approximately 18 meters in length, about half the size of the Navy’s Cheonjungbong-class high-speed patrol boats. Despite its smaller footprint, the Marine Corps says the vessel is tailored for rapid-response missions, including coastal security, amphibious support, and the fast movement of forces in contested maritime environments.

The vessel was designed and built domestically. According to the Marine Corps, a construction contract with Gangnam Co., Ltd. was signed in July of last year. Construction began in May of this year, followed by a keel-laying ceremony in August. The launch marks the completion of the hull ahead of a testing and evaluation phase.

Following trials, the Marlin is scheduled to be delivered to the Marine Corps in December of next year. After delivery, the vessel will undergo a power integration process before entering operational deployment, the service said.

Marine officials highlighted that the new boat addresses long-standing shortcomings in the Corps’ small-vessel fleet. Older high-speed boats had almost no protective features and exposed crews directly to weather and sea conditions, limiting endurance and operational safety. The Marine Corps said the Marlin’s armored sections and enclosed layout represent a step forward in both survivability and mission effectiveness.

The name “Marlin” was selected based on a large predatory fish known for speed and aggressive maneuvering. The Marine Corps said the symbolism aligns with the platform’s intended role.

“The name symbolizes the mission and role of the High-Speed Combat Boat, which rapidly deploys to maritime operational areas to engage in combat,” the Marine Corps said.

Marine Corps Commander Joo Il-seok described the program as a milestone for the service. “The High-Speed Combat Boat is the first vessel introduced by the Marine Corps, a force that integrates domestic shipbuilding technology and defense science,” he said. “Once operationally deployed, it will enhance the Marine Corps’ role in protecting the nation and its people by performing missions such as the rapid deployment of reinforcement forces.”