South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced that the Gwanggaeto Daewang (KDX-I)-class destroyer, known as ‘Gwanggaeto the Great (DDG 971)’, has received upgraded combat capabilities.

DAPA handed over the lead ship in the class to the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) during a ceremony at the Jinhae Naval Base in Gyeongnam on 22 October.

The 3,200t vessel is the second upgraded KDX-I destroyer of the RoKN.

It has been returned to the RoKN after completing a modernisation programme aimed at enhancing the ship’s combat management system (CMS) and other sensors.

According to DAPA, the upgrade project for the destroyer commenced in April last year. It now features a towed array sonar system designed to enhance anti-submarine capabilities.

The sonar system is similar to the one found on the RoKN’s FFX-series frigates.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The three Gwanggaeto the Great (KDX-I) destroyers were built by Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) for the RoKN.

They are designed to replace the older ex-US Navy ships of the RoKN and are being developed under the Korean Destroyer Experimental (KDX) programme.

The three-phase programme includes the construction of KDX-I, KDX-II, and KDX-III destroyer classes.

The first destroyer of the three-vessel KDX-I class, Yang Manchun (DDG 973), was upgraded and returned to service in September last year.

Meanwhile, the third destroyer Eulji Mundeok (DDG 972) is currently undergoing upgrades and is scheduled to return to service with RoKN in December.