South Korean Destroyer fleet approved for US improvement programme
The KDX-II fleet will benefit from the improvement programme. (Photo: US DoD)
The US State Department has agreed to sell South Korea technology to keep its Destroyer fleet effective as a deterrent.
The US State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to South Korea. The sale amounts to a KDX-II-class destroyers product improvement programme, along with related logistics and programme support elements.
The US$300 million sale includes modified MK 99 fire control system cabinets, updated weapon direct system software modification, integration and installation, and relevant technical documentation.
The price also includes personnel training and training equipment, US Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics and program support.
Related Articles
South Korea launches first KDX-III Batch 2 destroyer
The sale would improve South Korea’s capability to perform anti-surface and anti-air warfare missions as a deterrent to regional threats, particularly from North Korea, and to strengthen its homeland defence.
The six-vessel KDX-II fleet was commissioned between 2003–2008 as a class of multi-purpose destroyers under the Korean Destroyer eXperimental (KDX) programme. The vessels are typically deployed on reconnaissance and surveillance, anti-submarine, air and surface warfare operations.
This upgrade would not add substantively to the KDX-II’s capabilities, but would allow the fleet to continue operating, in the wake of the encroaching obsolescence of some of its current hardware and required software fixes.
The principal contractor on the sale would include BAE Systems, Integrated Defense Solutions, based in Rockville, Maryland. Additional contractors would be determined by competition to select approved vendors.
To implement the sale, eight government and 20 contractor personnel would be required to visit South Korea, to deliver the technical oversight and support requirements of the programme, as well as to provide installation and training support in-country.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
KDDX Next Generation Destroyer [South Korea]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
