The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on May 22 that it has finalized plans to purchase the U.S.-made SM-6 long-range naval surface-to-air missile for deployment on Aegis destroyers (KDX-III).
On the same day, DAPA held the 175th Defense Acquisition Promotion Committee meeting in Yongsan, Seoul, where it reviewed and approved the decision on the SM-6 missile procurement.
The SM-6 missile project aims to acquire these missiles through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program for installation on the second batch of KDX-III Aegis destroyers, known as the Jeongjo Daewang class.
DAPA stated, "We expect that the Aegis destroyers will enhance their air defense capabilities against anti-ship ballistic missiles, aircraft, and cruise missiles, as well as their response capabilities against ballistic missiles."
The total project cost is approximately 530 billion won, with the project timeline extending from 2023 to 2034. A DAPA official noted, "The deployment is expected to be completed by 2034."
The SM-6, often referred to as the 'Sea Patriot,' boasts a range of over 400 kilometers and features an active guidance system that allows the missile to track targets using its own radar, significantly enhancing the ship's ability to engage multiple threats simultaneously.
Classified as a terminal-phase intercept missile with an interception altitude below 36 kilometers, the SM-6 can target aircraft, ballistic missiles, and cruise missiles.
Additionally, the committee approved the basic development plan for the Military Satellite Communication System III. This initiative aims to secure military-exclusive geostationary communication satellites and ground control and terminal equipment through research and development led by the Agency for Defense Development, ensuring stable military satellite communication capabilities.
By operationalizing the Military Satellite Communication System III satellites before the existing satellites reach the end of their missions and replacing aging ground systems, the project aims to improve communication capacity and domestic production of key components, thereby enhancing military operational capabilities and ensuring reliable command and control. The project is set to run until 2032, with a total budget of approximately 1.27 trillion won.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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