To enhance its capability of maritime defence, South Korea has procured Subsonic Sea-Skimming Aerial Targets (SSAT) for the KDX-III Batch-II AEGIS class destroyers. Source: Northrop Grumman

The Republic of Korea has secured approval from the US State Department for the acquisition of Subsonic Sea-Skimming Aerial Targets (SSAT) for its KDX-III Batch-II AEGIS destroyers.

The $170.6m sale, comprising five BQM-177A SSATs alongside other logistical and programme support elements, is indicative of South Korea’s commitment to advancing its naval defence capabilities, with the target drones used to improve proficiency in surface-to-air target prosecution.

According to GlobalData’s South Korea defence market intelligence, South Korea plans to develop a blue-water naval force capable of projecting naval power over long distances and is in the process of inducting new KDX-III AEGIS-equipped destroyers. 

While the primary focus of the sale is to facilitate Combat System Ship Qualification Trials (CSSQT) for the new KDX-III Batch-II AEGIS destroyers, the acquisition also reflects the Republic of Korea’s ambitions to stay ahead of evolving security challenges in the Asia-Pacific region.

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.

By enhancing its anti-air warfare capabilities, South Korea aims to reinforce its position as a key US regional ally, promoting political stability and economic progress, read a 7 March statement from the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

See Also:

The proposed sale will see US defence contractors such as Kratos Defense and Northrop Grumman contribute to the acquisition programme.

The Republic of Korean Navy achieved a milestone in 2012 by completing combat system ship qualification trials (CSSQT) aboard the second Sejong the Great-class ship, Yulgok Yi I. The trials validated the AEGIS combat system’s capability through anti-air multi-mission warfare exercises, electronic attack scenarios, and live air defence engagements.

Commissioned in August 2010, Yulgok Yi I is part of the Korean Destroyer experimental (KDX-III) programme.