Hyundai Heavy Industries Wins 636.3 Billion KRW Contract for Next-Generation Aegis 2nd Ship

Defense Acquisition Program Administration and Construction Contract
"Contributing to the Construction of a Smart Navy"

Aegis ship built by Hyundai Heavy Industries

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Hyundai Heavy Industries announced on the 9th that it will additionally build the second ship of the next-generation Aegis destroyer (Gwanggaeto III Batch II) being introduced by the Republic of Korea Navy.

Previously, in October 2019, the company signed a construction contract worth 636.3 billion KRW with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration for a ship of the same class as the lead ship currently under construction. This vessel measures 170 meters in length and weighs 8,100 tons, making it the largest destroyer in South Korea. It can operate at a maximum speed of 30 knots (55 km/h). Compared to the existing Sejong the Great-class (7,600 tons) Aegis destroyers, it has enhanced ballistic missile interception capabilities and its anti-submarine warfare capabilities have increased approximately threefold.

The next-generation Aegis destroyer is currently regarded as a destroyer with the highest level of combat power and is considered the pinnacle of technological achievement. The term "Aegis" originates from the shield used by Zeus in Greek mythology, symbolizing a dream destroyer capable of countering multiple aircraft, warships, missiles, and submarines with a single vessel.

Hyundai Heavy Industries is the only company in South Korea responsible for the design and construction of Aegis destroyers. It was also in charge of the basic design and construction of South Korea's first Aegis destroyer, the Sejong the Great, and the third Aegis destroyer, the Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong. The company will build four out of the five Aegis destroyers in the country.

Nam Sang-hoon, head of Hyundai Heavy Industries' Special Ship Business Division, stated, "With accumulated know-how and technological capabilities, we will closely cooperate with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Navy to build the most advanced Aegis destroyers currently available and contribute to the construction of a smart navy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.