KDX 2-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
| Category | Destroyer |
| Subtype | Helicopter destroyer |
| Manufacturer | Daewoo / Hyundai |
| Year commissioned | 2025 |
| Units | DDH 975 CHUNGMUGONG YI SUNSHIN, DDH-976 MUNMU THE GREAT, DDH 977 DAE JOYEONG, DDH 978 WANG GEON, DDH 979 KANG GAMCHAN, DDH 981 CHOI YOUNG |
| Current operators | 🇰🇷 South Korea |
Description
The KDDX-class destroyer, also known as KDX-IV, is a next-generation stealth-guided missile destroyer being developed by Hyundai Heavy Industries for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy. This advanced maritime platform is expected to be launched after 2025 and is designed to fill the gap between the currently operating 4,200-ton KDX-II destroyers and the larger Aegis-equipped KDX-III destroyers. With a displacement set at about 8,000 tons, the KDDX class aims to provide an effective balance of size and capability.
The design of the KDDX-class destroyer emphasizes stealth features, which are intended to reduce its detectability by adversaries. The ship's advanced sensors and stealth characteristics are coupled with a streamlined design to enhance its effectiveness in various maritime operations. As a result, these destroyers are expected to have relatively lower operating costs, despite their technological advancements.
In terms of armament, the class will be equipped with the Korean Vertical Launch System (KVLS) capable of launching Hyunmoo-3C land-attack cruise missiles and SSM-700K anti-ship missiles, providing the ships with significant offensive capabilities. Furthermore, the KDDX will possess advanced missile defense systems, reinforcing the ROK Navy's capacity to counter various aerial threats, including ballistic missiles.
The operational history of the KDDX-class destroyer is still to be established, as the vessels are under development and slated for post-2025 deployment. Nevertheless, the design and proposed capabilities have been showcased at the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX 2021), highlighting the industry's anticipation of the ships' potential.
As for operating countries, the ROK Navy will be the primary user of the KDDX-class destroyers. The commitment to strengthening its naval forces is evident in the substantial investment for the development and production of these ships. The project's total cost is expected to exceed $6.2 billion for six vessels.
Technical specifications
| KDX 2 | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5500 tons |
| Range | 4500 km at 18 knots |
| Width | 16.9 m (55.4 ft) |
| Length | 154.4 m (506.6 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 General Electric LM 2500 gas turbines with a power of 60,000 hp - 2 propellers |
| Armament | 1 VLS Mk.41 (32 SM-2 / ESS / VLA) + 21 RIM-116 RAM + 8 Hae Sung antiship missiles + 8 Hong Sang Eo (K-ASROC) missiles + 1 Goalkeeper CIWS + 1 127mm Mk.45 gun + 6 T/ASM Mk.32 + 2 Super-Lynx helicopters |
| Maximum speed | 29 knots |
Photo of KDX 2 class
