US okays South Korea’s FMS request for KDX-II destroyer improvement program

The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible foreign military sale (FMS) to the Republic of Korea (ROK) of the KDX-II Class Destroyers Product Improvement Program.

As disclosed, the Republic of Korea has requested to buy modified MK 99 fire control system (FCS) cabinets, updated weapon direct system (WDS) software modification, integration, and installation, publications and technical documentation.

The request 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.

The principal contractors will include BAE Systems, Integrated Defense Solutions, located in Rockville.

The estimated total cost is $300 million.

The proposed sale is expected to improve the ROK’s capability to perform anti-surface and anti-air warfare missions.

Implementation of the proposed sale will require eight US Government and twenty contractor personnel to visit the ROK on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical oversight and support requirements.

In 2019, South Korea approved the development and construction of the next batch of Republic of Korea Navy destroyers, an additional three Sejong the Great-class destroyers (KDX-III).

In November this year, South Korean shipbuilder HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI) delivered ROKS Jeongjo the Great, the first ship in this class. The vessel is equipped with new systems, including the Aegis combat system, multi-function phased array radar, an integrated sonar system, the Korean vertical launch system (KVLS), and anti-ballistic missile capabilities.

The first batch of three Sejong the Great-class destroyers was commissioned between 2008 and 2012.