South Korea to Upgrade 4,400-Ton Destroyers with Indigenous Systems

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has launched a program to modernize the Navy’s 4,400-ton Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers using domestically developed technology.

A key meeting to finalize the upgrade details was held at the Gumi office of defense contractor Hanwha Systems, located 233 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Yonhap News Agency reported today. The gathering brought together defense experts and stakeholders to outline the roadmap for enhancing the destroyers, which are crucial to the country’s naval operations.

DAPA’s renovation plan will integrate a locally developed combat system, upgraded towed array sonar, and advanced guided missile technology. These enhancements are designed to strengthen the destroyers' anti-submarine and air defense capabilities.

The use of indigenous technology is expected to improve operational efficiency and streamline maintenance procedures, ensuring the destroyers remain effective in fleet operations.

The Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers were commissioned in 2003. They have a standard displacement of 5,500 tonnes (5,413 long tons) and a full-load displacement of 6,520 tonnes (6,417 long tons). These ships measure 150 meters (492 feet 2 inches) in length, 17.4 meters (57 feet 1 inch) in beam, and have a draft of 9.5 meters (31 feet 2 inches). Powered by a combined diesel and gas propulsion system consisting of Hanwha GE LM2500 and Doosan MTU 956 engines, the ships can reach speeds of up to 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph). With a complement of 300 personnel, the destroyers are equipped with an array of armament, including one 5-inch (127 mm) Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun, one 30 mm Goalkeeper CIWS, one RAM Block 1 CIWS, and eight SSM-700K Haeseong anti-ship missiles. They also feature a 32-cell Mk 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) for SM-2 Block IIIA missiles and a 24-cell K-VLS for K-ASROC Red Shark and Hyunmoo III land-attack cruise missiles. The ships can carry two Super Lynx helicopters. Notably, the Wang Geon, part of this class, acted in a NEO/temporary diplomatic mission role off the coast of Yemen in April 2015, after originally being stationed in the area as part of the Cheonghae Unit rotation.