S.Korea’s KDX III Destroyer to get Phalanx Weapon Systems

South Korea will buy a pair of MK 15 MOD 25 Phalanx Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) Block 1B Baseline 2 (IB2) systems to equip them on the Navy's KDX III warship.

The contract was approved by the U.S. State Department today. It covers acquisition of two MK 15 MOD 25 Phalanx CIWS Block 1B2 systems, 4000 rounds, 20MM cartridge API linked.  Also included are spare parts; other support equipment; ammunition; books and other publications; software; training; engineering technical assistance and other technical assistance; and other related elements of program and logistical support. The estimated total cost is $39 million.

Korea will use the systems aboard its first KDX III Batch II Class ship to provide it with effective means of detecting and defending itself against incoming airborne threats.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile and Defense, Louisville, KY.

The Phalanx weapon system is a rapid-fire, computer-controlled, radar-guided gun that can defeat anti-ship missiles and other close-in threats on land and at sea.

At 8,500 tons standard displacement and 11,000 tons full load, the KDX-III Sejong the Great destroyers are by far the largest destroyers in the South Korean Navy. They are built slightly bulkier and heavier than Arleigh Burke-class destroyers or Atago-class destroyers to accommodate 32 more missiles. DX-III are currently the largest ships to carry the Aegis combat system.