South Korea has announced the start of a modernization of its KDX-II class destroyers, which aims to significantly improve the fleet's combat capabilities. The program involves updating technologies, weapons systems and communications, which will allow these ships to meet modern maritime security requirements, Naval News reports.
The project will include the installation of new radars, improved combat control systems and modernization of anti-missile and anti-submarine weapons. These changes are aimed at increasing the effectiveness of protection against modern threats, including hypersonic missiles and unmanned systems.
The KDX-II destroyers, which have been in service since the early 2000s, play an important role in ensuring regional stability. They are armed with anti-ship missiles, air defense systems and have the ability to operate as part of multinational missions. The modernization should extend their service life by decades.
The South Korean Ministry of Defense emphasized that the fleet's renewal is part of a strategy to strengthen national security against growing challenges in the region. This step also demonstrates the country's ambitions to maintain a high level of readiness for modern military threats.