South Korea to upgrade amphibious assault ship ROKS Dokdo
The 15-year-old ROKS Dokdo will undergo an upgrade that will see various subsystems such as its radars replaced. (Photo: US DoD)
The South Korean Navy is upgrading its oldest LPH, has awarded a contract for four new fast attack craft, and has changed tender evaluation processes following criticism from the biggest shipbuilders.
The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) will give its oldest LPH, the 14,500t ROKS Dokdo, an upgrade. The work is to be completed by 2027 as part of a product improvement plan.
To this end, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed an LPX-I PIP contract worth $140 million on 29 November.
Dokdo was commissioned in 2007, so it has already completed 15 years of service. Furthermore, some parts are ready for replacement, and other components are no longer being manufactured.
The PIP will cover five main subsystems, which will bring ROKS Dokdo up to a similar configuration as
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?]()
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
![Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline]()
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
