RoKN receives first upgraded KDX-1-class destroyer

The first upgraded Gwanggaeto Daewang (KDX-1)-class destroyer has been returned to the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) after completing a modernisation programme aimed at improving the vessel’s combat management system (CMS) and other sensors.

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a statement that Yang Manchun (pennant number DDG 973) officially returned to service on 9 September following a ceremony held at the Jinhae Naval Base in South Gyeongsang Province.

DAPA said the upgrades included replacing the ship’s ageing combat management system (CMS) with a modern, locally developed one that can not only handle three times as much data as the previous CMS but also process the information 100 times faster.

To enhance its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, the 135.4 m-long destroyer has been fitted with a much more advanced towed array sonar system that is similar to the one found on the RoKN’s FFX-series frigates.