Raytheon to equip Korean Navy vessels

The Republic of Korea Navy has contracted Raytheon to supply five Phalanx block 1B close-in weapon systems for the new Ulsan-1 Class FFX ship programme.

Under the $65.5m contract, the company will install the Phalanx weapon system on the 2,300t frigates, beginning April 2013.

Phalanx is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled radar and 20mm gun system that tracks and destroys threats.

Designed for anti-ship, anti-submarine and anti-aircraft warfare, the new FFX ship class is expected to replace the existing Ulsan and other smaller frigates.