Korean-Style Mobile Fleet Soon to Be Launched

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@

[By Hyungwook Boo, Senior Research Fellow at the Korea Defense Research Institute]During World War II, the United States produced one aircraft carrier per month. It was an incredible production capacity. Although it is not comparable to the level of the United States at that time, the recent pace of power enhancement of the Chinese Navy is accelerating, and Japan boasts a formidable naval force. To survive in this era, South Korea inevitably needs to strengthen its naval power.

Recently, the long-cherished project of our Navy, the basic design bidding for the Korean Destroyer eXperimental (KDDX), has begun. This project involves the acquisition of six 6,000-ton Korean Aegis destroyers. Looking into this project evokes mixed feelings. About 20 years ago, shortly after the first Korean destroyer was operationally deployed, I had the opportunity to board the Gwanggaeto the Great. It was clear at a glance how much the Navy cherished the Gwanggaeto the Great. The pride was immense. It was an opportunity to deeply realize how significantly the supply of good weapon systems affects military morale.

Once the KDDX is constructed, the story of the Gwanggaeto the Great will become a thing of the past. This is because the project aims to introduce destroyers with superior performance to the Gwanggaeto the Great. Moreover, the Navy plans to build all six KDDX ships domestically. Additionally, the Aegis system, the "Shield of God," which was once just a dream, is also planned to be developed with our own technology. Compared to over 20 years ago, this is a tremendous leap forward. South Korea will become the sixth country in the world to build Aegis destroyers with its own technology. Furthermore, there is even potential for defense exports.

By the time the next-generation destroyer project is completed, we will have the much-desired mobile fleet. This shows how much our Navy has grown. Of course, the vision of the Navy is not fully realized by the Korean next-generation destroyer project alone. However, by the time the project is completed, our naval power will be formidable. At that time, including the next-generation destroyers, we will possess a total of 12 Aegis destroyers.

The mobile fleet, which will be a solid foundation for protecting our national interests at sea, will be centered on 18 destroyers. Anyone who sees the domestically built destroyers cutting through the vast ocean will feel a surge of pride. This is a massive project, and there will undoubtedly be many difficulties during the process. However, I hope that everyone, centered on the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, will work together to overcome the challenges so that our citizens can feel proud and reassured by a strong Navy.