Hanwha Systems selected to provide crucial equipment for next-generation destroyer

SEOUL -- Hanwha Systems will provide crucial equipment such as a combat management system and multifunction radars for South Korea's next-generation 6,000-ton "mini Aegis" destroyer that will have cruise missiles, advanced sensors, a missile defense system and stealth characteristics, all built with pure domestic technologies.

Hanwha System was selected as the preferred bidder for a deal worth 670 billion won ($567 million) to provide a phased array multifunction radar (MFR) for surveillance, tracking, and fire control as well as the combat management system (CMS), which serves as the brain of a warship and operates sensors, weapons, communications and a command system.

South Korea will build six 6,000-ton KDDX-class (KDX-IV) stealthy destroyers by 2030 for 7.8 trillion won. Hanhwa Systems will work with the state-run Agency for Defense Development to provide CMS. The KDDX-class destroyer will use a new system that improves stealth capabilities, along with multifunction radars to detect missiles, aircraft and the surface of the sea at the same time.

"At a time when an arms race by neighboring powers is fiercer than ever, I feel a great sense of responsibility and mission to participate in the next-generation destroyer development project, which incorporates pure domestic technology," said Hanwha Systems CEO Kim Yeon-chul. "We will do our best to create a warship with the best-advanced brainpower beyond Aegis destroyers with technologies accumulated through the development of combat systems and radars for domestic and foreign ships."

Hanhwa Systems has improved technical skills by acquiring the business and asset of Phasor Solutions, a Britain-based satellite communication antenna developer. Phasor's antenna systems are suitable for land-mobile, aeronautical, defense, and maritime satellite communication applications. Hanwha is also involved in the development of a computer-controlled array antenna system for South Korea's home-made KF-X fighter jet.