Leonardo DRS has entered into a contract with Doosan Enerbility to provide the electric propulsion system for the Republic of Korea Navy’s KDDX destroyer program.
KDDX is a next-generation guided-missile destroyer, considered a cornerstone of South Korea’s future naval fleet requirements. The program is expected to deliver at least six destroyers and represents South Korea’s first indigenously designed and built destroyer program.
The lead ship is being built by Hanwha Ocean.
Under the award, Leonardo will supply an integrated electric power and propulsion solution featuring its power-dense 100-Series permanent magnet propulsion motors and matched high-performance, compact variable frequency drives. The system is designed to provide efficient, reliable propulsion in a compact configuration for next-generation naval platforms
The companies will collaborate on the destroyer’s integrated power and propulsion system, which includes electrical and mechanical equipment extending from the prime movers to the propellers.
The KDDX program is expected to introduce the Republic of Korea Navy’s first full-electric-drive surface combatants, as part of a planned class of next-generation destroyers designed to meet the demanding multi-mission requirements of a modern blue-water fleet. As navies worldwide move toward integrated electric propulsion to support advanced sensors, weapons and mission systems, the KDDX program represents a significant milestone in the adoption of full electric drive for front-line surface combatants.
“Modern naval platforms require electric power and propulsion systems that can meet current operational demands while providing the flexibility to support future mission needs,” said John Baylouny, president and chief executive officer of Leonardo DRS.
“Our advanced electric-propulsion technologies are designed to deliver the power capacity, efficiency, reliability and adaptability required for advanced radars, advanced EW systems, directed energy systems, the charging of unmanned vehicles, the launch of drone swarms and other increasingly power-intensive mission capabilities.”
“For more than a decade our systems have supported Republic of Korea Navy FFX II/III/IV frigates, and we have demonstrated the ability to scale our electric-propulsion technology for the most demanding naval applications, including the COLUMBIA-class submarine program. This technology is designed to support efficient propulsion, compact installation and the electrical demands of advanced shipboard systems. We look forward to working with Doosan Enerbility and Hanwha Ocean in support of this important program," said Jon Miller, senior vice president and general manager of Naval Power Systems at Leonardo DRS.
This selection builds on a long record of Leonardo electric propulsion success with the Republic of Korea Navy, including hybrid electric drive systems provided for the 20 anti-submarine warfare frigates in the FFX Batch II, III and IV frigate programs.