Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is set to build the next-generation Aegis destroyer of the Korean Navy.
HHI said on Oct. 10 that it has signed a "Gwanggaeto-III Batch-II detailed design and leading ship building contract" worth a total of 676.6 billion won with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. (DAPA)
The Aegis destroyer, to be built by HHI, is the first of three next-generation Aegis destroyers to be introduced by the Republic of Korea Navy and will be built by a shipyard in Ulsan and delivered by November 2024.
The new Aegis destroyer is 170 meters long, 21 meters wide and weighs 8,100 tons, and is capable of operating at speeds of up to 30 knots (about 55 km/h), and features a dramatic improvement in its ability to respond to ballistic missiles and conduct anti-submarine operations compared to conventional Aegis destroyers.
In particular, with the addition of a new intercept function for ballistic missile, the capability of detecting and tracking submarines has more than doubled, widening the Navy’s operation range further.
It will also be equipped with a variety of weapons systems, including five-inch warships, guided missiles and torpedoes, to have powerful combat capabilities.
HHI successfully delivered the Aegis destroyer to the Navy in 2008 in charge of basic design and construction.
Following the subsequent construction of the third Aegis destroyer, the "Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong," HHI will build three of the country's four Aegis destroyers this time as it will be tasked with designing and building the next-generation Aegis destroyer. HHI is the only shipbuilder in Korea that designs and constructs its own Aegis destroyers.
"With the order, HHI has been recognized again for its advanced technology," a HHI official said. "By successfully completing this project, it will secure the Navy's core weapons system and help build a smart Navy by strengthening its naval capabilities."
