According to the Agency for Defense Development, the upcoming FFX Batch-III frigates will be equipped with the future “Long-Range Naval SAM” (Naval L-SAM) and have BMD capability.
Since FFX Batch-III frigates will enter service before the Naval L-SAM is scheduled to complete development, they will initially be equipped with Haegung (Sea Bow) K-SAAM for self-defense. When the Naval L-SAM becomes operational, they will be integrated FFX Batch-III frigates in service.
The L-SAM is being developed as part of the Korean Air and Missile Defense project, slated to be ready in 2020. It aimed to intercept missiles at an altitude of 50 to 60 kilometers with the ability to shoot down Pyongyang’s ballistic missiles in their terminal phase.
The class of 129-metre longships was previously known as the FFX Batch III frigates and will displace 3,500-ton vessels. The frigate is scheduled to be constructed at HHI’s Ulsan shipyard and to be delivered in 2024.
The ship will also adopt a hybrid propulsion system designed to avoid detection by submarines. It can also operate at high speeds, up to 30 knots, using gas turbine in case of emergency, which will enhance its operational capabilities, according to Hyundai Heavy.
The ship will be equipped with a four-sided fixed multi-function phased array radar capable of 360-degree omnidirectional detection, tracking and engagement, which will significantly enhance anti-air defense capability.
© 2021, GDC. © GDC and www.globaldefensecorp.com. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to www.globaldefensecorp.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
Be the first to comment