KDDX alert: S Korea’s next-gen destroyer making waves

South Korea has announced plans to build next-generation destroyers in the latest phase of a massive naval buildup of aircraft carriers, arsenal ships and conventional ballistic missile submarines.

Naval News reported that South Korea’s <a href=«https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/329180.KS?p=329180.KS&.tsrc=» https:>HD Hyundai Heavy Industries (HD HHI)

has completed the basic design for the Korean next-generation destroyer KDDX, marking a significant milestone in the country’s naval combat vessel technology.

The KDDX is the first destroyer built entirely with domestic technology, including indigenous detection and combat systems and is reportedly on par with the Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROKN) most advanced destroyer, the “King Jeong-jo the Great” (KDX-III Batch-II), which is currently undergoing trials and expected to be delivered by the end of the year.

HHI showcased a mock design of the KDDX at the MADEX 2023 defense exhibition in Busan, South Korea, emphasizing the ship’s system integration and technological advancement.

The KDDX is equipped with the Hanwha Systems’ integrated mast (I-MAST), featuring a “Dual-Band Multi-Function Radar” that aims to achieve reduced radar cross section and underwater radiated noise, enhancing its survivability against enemy submarines and radar detection.

Naval News says that the KDDX will be equipped with a Mk 45 5-inch main gun, two CIWS-II systems, eight anti-ship missiles, KVLS-I and KVLS-II launch systems to accommodate the new naval version of the L-SAM missile and an integrated sonar system for anti-submarine warfare.

In addition, the source says the basic design includes a “manpower-reduction platform,” such as automated ammunition handling systems, a smart bridge and a