The ROK Navy plans to upgrade the in-service KDX-III Batch-I ‘Sejong the Great’ class Aegis destroyer to operate Raytheon’s SM-3 and SM-6 missiles, according to a National Assembly’s audit of state affairs held on Oct. 24, 2023.
ROK Navy Chief of Naval Operations, Lee Jong-ho said:
“We will upgrade the KDX-III Batch-I from 2025 to 2035 years to operate the SM-3 and 6 missile.”
The KDX-III Batch-II ‘Jeongjo the Great’ class Aegis destroyer, the latest destroyer-class in the South Korean Navy, is equipped with the most up-to-date Aegis Combat System known as Baseline 9.C2 ‘KII’. It is capable of operating SM-3 and SM-6 missile.
However, the KDX-III Batch-I ‘Sejong the Great’ class Aegis destroyer has no ability to operate SM-3 and SM-6 because of their older Aegis Combat System Baseline 7.1.
Because of this, the question of upgrading the Batch-I combat management system to the same level as the Batch-II ships has been steadily raised.
According to National Assembly’s audit of state affairs held on Oct. 24, 2023. the ROK Navy Chief of Naval Operations, Lee Jong-ho said that the the Navy had already submitted the requirements to the government in September 2023.
KDX-III Batch-I Destroyers Upgrade
South Korea officially decided to purchase the SM-6 missile from Raytheon Technologies Corporation (RTX) in April 2022. The US Department of State approved the possible FMS this month. However, the procurement of SM-3 missiles, which are exo-atmospheric ballistic missile interceptors, has yet to be confirmed for various reasons.
In addition to the missiles and combat management system, other sensors are likely to be upgraded as part of the upcoming “performance improvement program” (the name typically used in South Korea for mid-life upgrade programs). The first KDX-III Batch-I ship-in-class was launched in 2007: Infrared detection and tracking equipment (IRST), electro-optical tracking equipment (EOTS) and the sonar systems are likely to be upgraded.
South Korea’s DAPA (Defense Acquisition Program Administration) is already involved in the upgrade of a key system aboard the KDX-III Batch-I ships: The upgrade of the IFF and Link-16. The project will run until 2024 and takes place at Jinhae Port. After completion of the equipment replacement work, Lockheed Martin will verify it.
