South Korea’s Second-Gen KDX Destroyers to Receive Combat System Upgrade

South Korea has revealed a combat system upgrade for its second-generation Korean Destroyer eXperiment (KDX-II) ships to sustain maritime security across the nation’s sea lines of communication.

The effort will cover all six of the Republic of Korea Navy’s “Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin” class destroyers employed between 2003 and 2008.

The country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) explained that the initiative will encompass software and related processor updates, transition to array sonars mounted on Ulsan-class frigates, as well as anti-aircraft and anti-submarine weapon guide improvements.

“We will smoothly carry out the performance improvement project so that the Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers, which are the core force of the Republic of Korea Navy, can complete various missions, and acquire even stronger combat capabilities,” DAPA Ship Business Director Brig. Gen. Shin Hyun-seung stated.

DAPA is planning to invest approximately 197.1 billion South Korean won ($137.4 million) for the entire project, according to local news agency The Chosun Daily.

Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group, which worked on combat systems of previous KDX vessels, is expected to participate in the effort.

Work for the upgrades is expected to run until December 2033.

The KDX-II Destroyer

South Korea’s KDX-II platform is armed with 122-millimeter naval guns, close-in weapon systems, and anti-ship, surface-to-air, and land attack missiles.

With a length of 150 meters (492 feet), the vessel can accommodate up to 300 troops and two helicopters similar to the Super Lynx rotorcraft.

The ship sails with a combined diesel/gas engine for a maximum speed of 30 knots (56 kilometers/35 miles per hour).