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- South Korea Upgrading KDX-II Class Destroyers with Tech from BAE Systems
South Korea Upgrading KDX-II Class Destroyers with Tech from BAE Systems
It's not AEGIS yet, but it's a start.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Monday that the Republic of Korea intends to purchase MK 99 fire control system (FCS) cabinets and related software to upgrade combat systems on its KDX-II-class destroyers.
Also known as the Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin class, Korea’s “destroyers” displace between 5,500 and 6,500 metric tons, putting them somewhere in size between America’s old Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, and the new Constellation-class frigate in size — and significantly smaller than an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer. The Mk 99 fire control system, though, is the same one integrated into Aegis weapons systems on American destroyers — and not planned for installation even on America’s Constellation-class frigates.
Putting this system on the KDX-II destroyers will significantly improve Korean destroyers’ anti-surface and anti-air warfare capabilities, according to DSCA. It is probably also a step towards adding Aegis to the upcoming KDX-III class that Korea intends to build.
BAE Systems (OTC: BAESY) is named principal contractor on the sale, which will be worth $300 million if approved by Congress.
Full news release here:
https://www.dsca.mil/press-media/major-arms-sales/republic-korea-kdx-ii-class-destroyers-product-improvement-program