The next phase of the KDDX program, the Republic of Korea Navy’s next-generation destroyer project and a key asset of the newly established Task Fleet Command, is approaching.
ROK Navy’s KDDX project, initially scheduled to begin detailed design and lead ship construction last year, was delayed due to intense legal battles between South Korea’s two major shipbuilders, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean. With the legal dispute now settled and both parties having withdrawn their lawsuits, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is expected to finalize a course of action in an upcoming subcommittee meeting. The decision will likely be between awarding a sole-source contract to the company that conducted the basic design, opening a competitive bidding process, or adopting the newly proposed joint development and simultaneous construction plan.
Historically with South Korean naval shipbuilding programs, the company responsible for the basic design is also in charged of detailed design and lead ship construction. However, Hanwha Ocean has been pushing for competitive bidding, citing HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ KDDX-related scandal. This led both companies to file lawsuits against each other until late last year. Further complicating the situation, the 7.8 trillion KRW (approx. 5.42 billion USD) project has drawn political interest, as lawmakers from districts where these companies are based have intervened, escalating tensions. As a result, the selection process—originally expected to conclude by July last year—has been delayed by nearly seven months.
The KDDX program is now caught in a web of conflicting interests, balancing efficiency with fairness concerns. Adding to this, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) recently designated both HD HHI and Hanwha Ocean as eligible builders after conducting due diligence. In response, some have suggested an unprecedented joint development and simultaneous construction approach to resolve disputes. While seemingly ideal, this plan raises concerns about the ambiguity of the lead contractor’s role and the burden it would place on DAPA in managing accountability if design issues arise in the future.
Nevertheless, further delays in constructing the six KDDX vessels, which are critical to the newly established Task Fleet Command, could significantly weaken the Republic of Korea Navy’s ability to respond to growing maritime security threats in East Asia. As the decision-making process continues to stall, regional adversaries are rapidly advancing their naval capabilities, making it even more urgent for South Korea to modernize its fleet.
The rapid transformation of East Asia’s maritime security landscape is reshaping the Republic of Korea Navy’s operational environment. Neighboring countries are expanding their naval power and increasing the likelihood of maritime conflicts, necessitating a stronger and more proactive naval posture for South Korea. China’s growing carrier strike group operations and North Korea’s advancing SLBM capabilities underscore the urgency of enhancing South Korea’s naval deterrence and operational reach.
Photo by KCTV
Moreover, North Korea’s deepening military cooperation with Russia is fueling its naval projects. Recent agreements and exchanges between the two countries have provided Pyongyang with financial, material, and technological support, accelerating its efforts to modernize its naval fleet. With Russia potentially supplying advanced maritime technology and materials, North Korea is rapidly enhancing its naval capabilities, including the development of new submarines and surface combatants. This growing partnership reshapes the regional security landscape, posing a new challenge not just for South Korea but also for its security partners.
KDDX
Republic of Korea’s next gen destroyer KDDX is a follow-up to the KDX program. It aims at developing the nation’s first fully domestically designed and built destroyer. With a light load displacement of 7,100 ton, unlike previous destroyers that relied on foreign technology and design, KDDX is set to establish South Korea’s independent warship development capabilities, strengthening national defense self-sufficiency and laying the foundation for potential future defense exports.
Integrated Electric Propulsion System (IEPS)
KDDX adopts an Integrated Electric Propulsion System (IEPS), a technology also utilized in the US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyers. Unlike conventional propulsion systems that rely on direct mechanical transmission to the shafts, IEPS generates power through gas turbine and diesel generators, which then supplies energy to the screw motors and other onboard equipment. At MADEX 2023, HD HHI explained that the selection of this advanced propulsion system allows the vessel to have reduced Underwater Radiated Noise (URN) levels and capability to accommodate future high-energy weapon systems, such as laser weapons, due to its ability to generate and manage excess electrical power efficiently.
Stealth-Oriented Design & Integrated Mast (I-MAST)
KDDX features a stealth-enhanced hull design aimed at reducing its Radar Cross Section (RCS), making it harder to detect by enemy radar. The incorporation of an Integrated Mast (I-MAST) further enhances stealth capabilities and integrates a Dual-band (S/X) Phased Array Multi-Function Radar (MFR), IRST, EW, communications antennas, and other sensors into a single structure, reducing interference between them and improving overall sensor efficiency. The S-band radar is used for long-range air defense and ballistic missile detection and tracking, while the X-band radar is employed for short-range air defense and surface target detection and tracking. Additionally, KDDX is the first vessel to feature a fully integrated mast, a design that is becoming the standard for the latest surface combatants.
Indigenous Multi-Layered Air Defense System
KDDX is equipped with a Korean Vertical Launch System (KVLS-I & KVLS-II), enabling it to operate a range of indigenous surface-to-air missiles, including the K-SAAM for short-range defense and the Ship-to-Air Missile-II, a long-range air defense missile based on the L-SAM AAM interceptor currently under development by LIG Nex1.
By incorporating a domestically developed long-range air defense missile, the Republic of Korea Navy can deploy destroyers with advanced air defense capabilities independently of the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) system, reducing reliance on foreign procurement and potential export restrictions. Furthermore, the use of an indigenous missile system ensures faster troubleshooting and maintenance, allowing for swift issue resolution in case of technical failures or operational challenges, thereby enhancing fleet readiness and sustainability.
In addition to these features, KDDX will be equipped with the latest systems currently under development, including the Electronic Warfare Equipment-II, developed by LIG Nex1 to replace the SLQ-200K Sonata, and CIWS-II. For anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, it will feature a hull-mounted sonar at the bow, as well as a Multi-Function Towed Array (MFTA) and a Low-Frequency Projector Array (LFPA) at the stern.
According to the original plan, a total of six KDDX destroyers are scheduled to be commissioned by 2036. Each Task Squadron of the Task Fleet Command will be composed of one Jeongjo the Great-class Aegis destroyer (KDX-III Batch-II), one Sejong the Great-class Aegis destroyer (KDX-III Batch-I), two Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers (KDX-II), and two KDDX destroyers.
