Enhanced Batch-II of the KDX-III Aegis destroyer programme, representing a significant upgrade over the original Sejong the Great class. Displacement of approximately 11,200 tonnes. Features the AN/SPY-1D(V) radar with enhanced signal processing and the latest Aegis Baseline 9 combat system with integrated air and missile defence (IAMD) capability, including ballistic missile defence modes. Upgraded VLS configuration with enhanced K-VLS II cells capable of launching larger missiles. Integrates indigenous Korean weapons including improved Hyunmoo cruise missiles, K-SAAM point defence missiles, and Haegung SAM. Enhanced ASW capability with bow-mounted sonar, towed array, and 2x helicopter capacity. Lead ship ROKS Jeongjo the Great (DDG-998) launched in 2022. Three ships planned with the class serving as the backbone of Korea's blue-water naval capability.
![Hyundai Rotem logo](data:image/svg+xml;utf8,<svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="200" height="60" viewBox="0 0 200 60"><rect width="200" height="60" fill="%23111"/><text x="100" y="38" font-family="Arial" font-weight="bold" font-size="14" fill="%23c8a84b" text-anchor="middle">HYUNDAI ROTEM</text></svg>)
- SM-3 IIA capability provides true BMD against North Korean ballistic missiles
- 176-cell total VLS is among the largest in any surface combatant
- Aegis system enables networked fleet air defense for task group
- Haeseong anti-ship missiles provide offensive maritime strike
- Largest and most capable destroyer South Korea has ever built
- Extremely expensive — program cost exceeds any previous Korean naval vessel
- Crew requirements significant for personnel-constrained Korean Navy
- Stealth features limited compared to F-125 or Iver Huitfeldt class
- SM-3 IIA dependency on US supply chain for missiles
- Requires substantial escort for self-protection in A2/AD environments
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The autonomous systems integration pathway here suggests a procurement philosophy anticipating future doctrinal evolution.