South Korea Deploys Upgraded Coastal Radar Systems

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has completed deployment of upgraded radar systems (GPS-98K, GPW-05K) for units monitoring coastal areas.

The project, aimed at enhancing the operability of radars used in the Army's rear areas and the Navy's coastal regions, was initiated as part of a broader effort to maximize the performance of existing military equipment.

DAPA has been pursuing the "Performance Maximization of Existing Power" policy since 2022. This policy focuses on upgrading the performance, quality, and operability of weapon systems used by different branches of the military. The coastal surveillance radar improvement project was selected for the 2022 initiative and completed in August 2024, after 20 months of work. The radars were installed in Army rear areas and Navy Island regions to enhance military surveillance capabilities.

Key improvements from the project include a 250-fold increase in transmission speed, a 2.5-fold increase in the number of simultaneous tracking targets, and a 30% extension of the maximum tracking distance. Additionally, the system’s core components, including the central processing unit, have been replaced to address issues related to outdated technology and maintenance difficulties. These upgrades are expected to improve the radars' performance during both peacetime and wartime.

Previously, the radars faced challenges due to slow processing speeds and difficulties in securing replacement parts. The recent upgrades have resolved these issues, enhancing the military’s ability to conduct efficient coastal surveillance operations.