Non-Subscriber ExtractSouth Korean navy requests homegrown Aegis destroyers |
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By Jon Grevatt
16 October 2009
The Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) has submitted a request to procure a number of indigenously produced, Aegis-equipped destroyers from 2019 as part of an effort to increase coastal defences against North Korea, an RoKN spokesman told Jane's on 14 October.
Six platforms are thought to be required by the RoKN, although the spokesman said this number had not formally been requested. He added that the destroyers would weigh 5,600 tonnes and have been designated KDX-3A.
"We have not stated the exact amount of ships we need," he said, "but we have a future requirement to increase our operational capabilities. We hope the plan is approved and the Aegis destroyers would be acquired in 10 years."