U.S. to sell $300 million upgrade program for South Korean navy’s destroyers

12/18/2024 / By Arsenio Toledo

The State Department has approved a potential $300 million Foreign Military Sale to South Korea for upgrading the six Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers of the Republic of Korea Navy.
The upgrades aim to address obsolescence issues, enhancing operational viability without adding new capabilities, focusing on systems like the MK 99 fire control and Weapon Direct System software.
The sale includes personnel training, equipment, and logistical support, aligning with South Korea’s efforts to maintain a robust naval presence and deter regional threats.
The sale awaits congressional approval. If approved, U.S. contractors like BAE Systems will manage the upgrades, supporting South Korea’s defense capabilities and regional security.

The United States Department of State has approved a potential $300 million Foreign Military Sale to South Korea to upgrade six of the Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROK Navy) destroyers.

The sale is for the ROK Navy’s six Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers, according to announcements regarding the proposed sale from the Department of Defense’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA). The proposed sale awaits congressional approval.

The destroyers are a fleet of six guided-missile destroyers equipped with 32 vertical launch system canisters for launching surface-to-air missiles and a RIM-116 rolling airframe missile defense system. The destroyers first entered active service with the ROK Navy in 2003, and have since participated in various maritime operations, including anti-piracy operations in Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.

The proposed $300 million upgrades, will focus on enhancing the operational viability of the destroyers by addressing obsolescence issues with their current hardware and software. The DSCA stated that the upgrades will not provide additional capabilities but will ensure the ships remain operationally viable. (Related: Seoul deploys fighter jets as Russian and Chinese warplanes enter Korea Air Defense Identification Zone.)

The improvements include modifications to the MK 99 fire control systems, updates to the Weapon Direct System software and integration services. Additionally, the sale will provide personnel training, training equipment and logistical support.

South Korea’s request for these upgrades aligns with its efforts to maintain a robust naval presence and strengthen its defense capabilities. The DSCA emphasized that the proposed sale will improve South Korea’s ability to perform anti-surface and anti-air warfare missions, serving as a deterrent to regional threats and bolstering its homeland defense. The agency noted that the upgrades are essential to ensure the destroyers remain effective in their roles.

Proposed sale still requires congressional approval before it pushes through

The sale is part of the U.S. Foreign Military Sales program, which facilitates the transfer of defense equipment, training and technology to allied countries. Under U.S. law, congressional approval is required for sales exceeding $25 million to NATO members and select other countries, including South Korea. The DSCA has notified Congress of the proposed sale, and final approval will depend on congressional endorsement.

If approved, the upgrades will be managed by U.S. contractors, including BAE Systems. The project will involve eight U.S. government personnel and representatives from 20 U.S. contractors, who will provide technical oversight, installation and training services to the South Korean Navy.

The proposed sale underscores the U.S. commitment to supporting South Korea’s defense capabilities and regional security. By enhancing the operational readiness of South Korea’s destroyers, the upgrades will contribute to the broader foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States. The DSCA highlighted that the sale will improve the security of a major ally, supporting U.S. efforts to maintain stability in the region.

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