Mini Aegis Destroyer 'KDDX' Basic Design Commencement

On the 6th, a model of the KDDX destroyer was exhibited at the 'Joint Weapon System Development Exhibition' held at the Defense Convention in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu]The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is set to officially begin the basic design of the Korean next-generation destroyer (KDDX), known as the 'Mini Aegis Ship.'

DAPA announced on the 29th that it has issued a bid notice for the KDDX basic design project.

The KDDX is larger than the 4,200-ton Korean destroyer (KDX-II) but smaller than the 7,600-ton Aegis destroyer (KDX-III), the main force of the Navy's mobile units, hence it is called the 'Mini Aegis Ship.' The KDDX will be the first destroyer equipped with a combat system developed purely based on domestic technology.

DAPA explained, "The KDDX project aims to secure combat ships to be operated as the Navy's core force, consolidating accumulated domestic shipbuilding and weapons development technologies to develop an independent Korean-style destroyer."

DAPA plans to complete the basic design by the second half of 2023 and proceed with detailed design and lead ship construction starting in 2024.