The upgrade project for the Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers, which have been in service for over 20 years, is set to commence. Commissioned starting in 2003, the Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin-class has served as the main force of the Navy’s mobile task fleet and has played a key role in the Navy’s operations, including deployment to the Somali waters (Cheonghae Unit).
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) plans to enhance the operational capabilities of these ships by replacing their major equipment with domestically-produced and latest models through performance upgrades. The towed array sonar, used for tracking submarines, will be replaced with a new model that is installed on the latest Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates. The radar system guiding the SM-2 surface-to-air missiles will also be upgraded. DAPA will conduct this performance improvement project for the Yi Sun-sin-class destroyers in collaboration with Hanwha Systems.