Armée Sud Coréene/Republic of Korea Armed Forces ( RoKAF )

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Citation :

DATE:25/03/09
SOURCE:Flight International
Elbit Systems lands helmet-mounted display deal with South Korea
By Arie Egozi

Elbit Systems has received a contract to supply advanced helmet-mounted display systems for the South Korean army's Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH) programme.

Under the deal, Elbit will supply prime contractor Korea Aerospace Industries with equipment for its ongoing development effort, which is expected to lead to the manufacture of up to 250 tactical transport helicopters. The Israeli company's initial contract covers those development aircraft due to be delivered in 2009-10, but it believes the agreement could lead to follow-on orders to equip the entire KUH fleet and additional military rotorcraft.

"We believe this selection will lead to further head-up display projects in South Korea and worldwide," says Yoram Shmuely, co-general manager of Elbit's Aerospace Division.

Elbit says its helmet-mounted display systems enable helicopter pilots to fly with their "head out of the cockpit", boosting situational awareness and safety by projecting essential flight data, plus navigation waypoints and threat data into their line of sight.

Citation :

USA may sell 14 used CH-47Ds to South Korea

South Korea could obtain 14 used Boeing CH-47D Chinook helicopters from US army forces stationed in the country.

The proposed $151 million deal would be conducted under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS) mechanism, according to a statement by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA).

If the sale is approved, the aircraft would be transferred to South Korean forces incrementally as US army units take delivery of new-build CH-47Fs. The proposed deal would save the US army about $13.4 million that would otherwise need to be spent on demilitarising or transporting the aircraft.

Aside from the 14 CH-47Ds, the deal includes five more Honeywell T55-GA-714A turbine engines for use as spares. Other equipment such as radios, marker beacons, navigation systems and other avionics are also included.

The DSCA has not given a timeframe for the proposed deal.

http://www.flightglobal.com

la photo du nouveau patrouilleur sud-coréen encore en chantier coulé au port après un coup de vent

Lanceur de Spike NLOS sud coréen

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(LEAD) S. Korea's expanded air defense zone takes effect

SEOUL, Dec. 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's expanded air defense zone went into effect on Sunday, with its airborne early warning and control aircraft conducting a patrol and surveillance mission over it.

A week ago, Seoul announced the new Korean air defense identification zone (KADIZ) to counter China's unilateral decision to expand its own to cover a reef and other islands off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula.

The new zone is designed to have its southern boundary match the country's broader flight information region, including airspace over the Seoul-controlled reef of Ieodo and the southern islands of Marado and Hongdo.

"The early warning plane conducted a patrol and surveillance mission over the expanded air defense zone," a government official said.

South Korea didn't notify China of the patrol plan in advance, officials said. Seoul's new air defense zone overlaps that of Beijing.

Another official said the Navy will also fly its P3-C anti-submarine surveillance aircraft over the expanded area for patrol missions four to five times a week.

According to officials, any foreign aircraft passing through the zone will be required to identify themselves 15-30 minutes in advance, maintain communication and file flight plans.

As part of efforts to promptly send South Korean fighter jets to the southern region, Seoul plans to acquire four aerial refueling tankers to extend operational capabilities. Currently, a KF-16 can conduct missions only for 20 minutes above Ieodo, which can be extended up to 80 minutes above the area.

South Korea's change to KADIZ, which was drawn in 1951 by the U.S. Air Force during the 1950-53 Korean War, is the first in more than six decades.

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http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr

Citation :

Korea Aerospace signs 89.8 bln won depot maintenance deal with DAPA

2013/12/19 15:08


SEOUL, Dec. 19 (Yonhap) -- The country's sole aircraft manufacturer, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), said Thursday it has signed an 89.8 billion won (US$84.7 million) contract with the government to carry out depot maintenance on FA-50s entering service with the Air Force.

The FA-50 is a fully armed, mission-capable light fighter attack aircraft that has been developed from the T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer.

KAI's FA-50 jet (Yonhap file photo)

The contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) calls for the KAI to provide maintenance, repair and overhaul services for the single-engine supersonic jets.

Depot maintenance is the highest form of checkup conducted on an aircraft. The military is responsible for so-called organization and field maintenance works.

The aircraft manufacturer, located in Sacheon, some 437 kilometers southeast of Seoul, has been delivering the jets to the Air Force since August.

"A handful of jets have been delivered so far, with the original acquisition contract calling for 60 FA-50s," a representative of the aircraft company said.

South Korea ordered the FA-50s to deal with the gradual retirement of F-5 variants E and F, called the Tiger II fighters, and F-4 variant E, the Phantom II fighter-bombers, in the Air Force's inventory.

KAI, meanwhile, said a separate maintenance deal will be signed in the near future with Iraq after the company sealed a contract to sell 24 jets of the FA-50 to the Middle East country early this month.

Delivery of the jets will take place in 2015-16, with Seoul having agreed to provide maintenance support for the next 25 years.

yonngong@yna.co.kr

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Citation :

BAE wins $1bn South Korean fighter jet contract

The FTSE 100–listed defence group BAE will take on 300 staff at its US bases to upgrade the F-16 jets for South Korea

BAE has landed a contract potentially worth up to $1bn (£610m) to upgrade more than 130 of South Korea's F–16 fighters.

The FTSE 100–listed defence group will take on 300 staff at its US bases to complete the work, for which it yesterday finalised an agreement with the Southeast Asian nation after beating off competition from rivals including Lockheed Martin, which made the jets.

Historically, companies that made warplanes serviced and upgraded them, but reducing military spending has driven defence groups to seek business in new areas.

Erin Moseley, president of BAE's support solutions unit, told Reuters the deal marked a significant expansion of BAE's F16 modernisation business.

"A number of countries were watching to see if this model could be successful," she said of the deal, which paves the way for BAE to win further, similar work. The contract comes as a boost for BAE, which last week said talks about the UAE buying 60 of its Typhoon jets had failed.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk

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S. Korea develops multi-purpose air defense system

SEOUL, Dec. 27 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has developed a multi-purpose air defense missile capable of shooting down low-flying objects with surface-to-air guided missiles and anti-aircraft missiles, the state arms procurement agency said Friday.

Doosan Defense Systems & Technology, Samsung Thales and LIG Nex1 have jointly worked on the project since 2010 to develop the multi-purpose missile to improve strike capabilities, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said.

The short-range missile is a combination of K-30 self-propelled gun vehicles with a 3 km firing range, and the portable surface-to-air missile Shingung, which can fly over 7 km.



Doosan Defense Systems & Technology, Samsung Thales and LIG Nex1 have jointly developed a short-range missile combining K-30 self-propelled gun vehicles and the portable surface-to-air missile Shingung. (Yonhap file photo)

It can simultaneously fire off two types of missiles to target military aircraft flying at low altitudes, DAPA said, noting it met all military requirements during testing throughout this year.

DAPA will start manufacturing the missiles next year to deliver them to troops starting in 2015, it said.

"Once deployed to troops, it is expected to improve short-range air defense capabilities with an improved combat system and close integration with the command control system," DAPA said in a press release.

ejkim@yna.co.kr

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Daewoo Shipbuilding wins 322.6 bln won order from Navy

SEOUL, Dec. 30 (Yonhap) -- Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. said Monday that it has clinched a 322.6 billion won (US$305.8 million) deal to build a frigate that would help it exceed its 2013 order target of $13 billion.

The deal with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration entails producing and delivering the warship to the South Korean Navy by 2017, the shipbuilder said.

The latest contract leaves Daewoo Shipbuilding with cumulative orders of 57 ships and offshore plants worth $13.6 billion for this year.

Daewoo Shipbuilding has won orders for warships worth $1 billion so far this year, reaching the mark for the fourth consecutive year since 2010.

ksnam@yna.co.kr

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Citation :

Korean Choppers to Be Armed with Israeli Missiles

More Israeli-made Spike missiles with the maximum range of 25 km will be installed in maritime helicopters ready for deployment next year.

Several Spike missiles are already installed on vehicles defending the northwesternmost islands.

But the new lot will be mounted on Wildcat maritime choppers to be purchased over the next two years, an official with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said Friday. "We've recently struck a deal with the Israeli manufacturer of the missile."

The Spike missile is allegedly capable of hitting a window-size target 25 km away guided by infrared.

An officer said the missile can hit the North's coastal artillery as well as its high-speed boats or hovercraft if they launch surprise landings on South Korean territory.

A total of eight Wildcat helicopters will be procured, each of which can carry four Spike missiles. The missiles cost about W300 million (US$1=W1,056) each, approximately 100 times the price of a shell for the K-9 self-propelled howitzer.

http://english.chosun.com

Citation :

Washington envoie des blindés supplémentaires en Corée du Sud

http://www.lapresse.ca/international/etats-unis/201401/07/01-4726331-washington-envoie-des-blindes-supplementaires-en-coree-du-sud.php

Citation :

Corée du Sud. Les Etats-Unis renforcent leur présence militaire

http://www.ouest-france.fr/coree-du-sud-les-etats-unis-renforcent-leur-presence-militaire-1836893

Citation :

ROKN funds second LST-2


South Korea's Defense Administration Program Agency (DAPA) announced on 26 December it had awarded Hyundai Heavy Industries a KRW136.4 billion (USD129 million) contract to build a second LST-2 class landing ship for the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN). The new vessel is expected to be delivered in 2016.
The ROKN currently has five 4,278-tonne Alligator-class LSTs and two ageing 4,080-tonne 512/1152-class LSTs in service. The first LST-2 is currently under construction by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction.

http://www.janes.com/article/32183/rokn-funds-second-lst-2

Citation :

South Korea develops electronic intel system for F-16s



SEOUL, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- South Korea's military has developed its own electronic and image intelligence systems for use on its F-16 jet fighter aircraft.

Work on the systems by the Agency for Defense Development began in 2007, and integration of the ELINT system on the Air Force's F-16s began last month.

The image intelligence system for collecting and analyzing night-day target images will be integrated on Korea's U.S.-made F-16s starting next year.

"We now have the ability to design the signal intelligence collection equipment in the same class or better than that of advanced countries by securing core technologies such as ultra-wideband signal, high-precision direction finding and multiple signal digital analyzing technology obtained from the development of the ELINT collection system," the Ministry of National Defense said.

It said the ELINT collection system is miniaturized and lightweight and has a detection frequency band that has a more expanded range than that of comparable international systems.

http://www.upi.com

Citation :

S. Korean Navy receives its 13th guided-missile destroyer


SEOUL, Jan. 27 (Yonhap) -- The South Korean Navy has taken delivery of its 13th domestically built guided-missile destroyer, which will join patrol missions to defend the nation's shoreline and harbor waters, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration said Monday.

Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction delivered the newest PKG-class (Patrol Killer, Guided Missile) patrol ship to the Navy command, located in Jinhae, some 410 kilometers south of Seoul.

The 450-ton high-speed ship can sail at a top speed of 40 knots and is equipped with anti-ship missiles that have a range of 140 kilometers.

It is also fitted with 76mm and 40mm guns, and can accommodate 40 crew members.

The ship will join Navy patrol missions after two months of deployment, the DAPA said.

ejkim@yna.co.kr

Citation :

S.Korea to sign jet deal in Q3, signals commitment to Lockheed F-35s


Jan 27 (Reuters) - South Korea plans to sign a deal to buy 40 fighter jets in the third quarter, its arms procurement agency said on Monday, and its plan to acquire Lockheed Martin Corp F-35s appears on track despite possible development delays.

"With changes made in procurement plans from February to March, followed by committee approval, we will work to sign a contract around the third quarter," Jung Kwang-sun, the head of aircraft programmes at the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), told reporters.

South Korea decided to redraw the terms of its 8.3 trillion won ($7.68 billion) tender to buy 60 fighters last year, reducing the number in December to an initial 40 jets after rebuffing Boeing Co's F-15s.

Although not yet finalised, South Korea has signalled its intention to buy F-35As since its Joint Chiefs endorsed a need in December for "cutting-edge stealth" jets for first delivery in 2018.

"After judging through many channels, we have heard that there is no problem in (the U.S. Air Force) adopting the F-35A by 2016 and we believe there will be no problem by 2018," Jung said.

The remark comes after a Pentagon report seen by Reuters and published on Thursday said a possible 13-month delay in F-35 software development, coupled with maintenance and reliability problems, could stall the U.S. Marine Corps' plans to start using its F-35B fighter jets from mid-2015.

"We're buying F-35As, not (F-35)Bs. Not only that, it's the nature of being in development to encounter problems and solve them," a DAPA official with direct knowledge of the fighter jet procurement process told Reuters. The official was not authorized to speak to media.

South Korea's parliament approved some 366.4 billion won for the fighter programme in 2014, in line with South Korea's plan to finalise its choice of jets and make initial payments this year.

Citation :

La Corée décidée à produire un avion de combat !




Séoul, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) est décidé à produire un avion de combat indigène susceptible, d’entrer en service d’ici 2025. L’avion serait un monomoteur basé en grande partie sur des systèmes développés pour le T-50 «Golden Eagle».
 
Le programme KFX-GSC :
 
Au départ se sont deux projets qui avaient été étudiés, sous la dénomination «KFX», l’un prenait en compte un biréacteur et l’autre un monomoteur. Selon les dernières informations disponibles, la seconde solution, moins coûteuse serait donc retenue.
 
Selon les premières informations disponibles et les images de synthèses transmises par KAI, le projet KFX-GSX est un monoréacteur qui ressemblerait à s’y méprendre au F-35.
De là à penser que Lockheed-Martin, déjà présent dans la conception du T-50 est également partie prenante dans ce projet semble presque évident, en ce qui concerne la mise en forme des apports et le fuselage avant. Par contre, dans un but de simplification de l’avion, celui-ci ne reprendrait pas les baies d'armement internes.
KAI n'a pas précisé la motorisation de l’avion, mais une source prétend, qu'il est susceptible de nécessiter une puissance similaire au F-16. Donc deux motorisations pourraient correspondre avec le Pratt & Whitney F100 ou le General Electric F110.




Rien n’est joué : 
 
Bien que le constructeur coréen KAI affiche une certaine sérénité dans le possible lancement de cet avion en collaboration avec Lockheed-Martin, il n’en reste pas moins que beaucoup d'incertitude subsiste aujourd’hui au sujet de ce programme. En effet, pour une telle réalisation, Séoul se fonde sur le transfert de technologie issue de l'acquisition des 60 Lockheed-Martin F-35, dans le but de développer des capacités de fabrication indigènes pour le programme KFX. Les retards accumulés dans le programme F-35, additionnés du fait que cette version de l’avion pourrait venir directement concurrencer le F-35 dans de futurs marchés, pose un réel problème en vue du développement de l’avion.
 
Le KFX-GSX : 
 
Dérivé directe du T-50 et du F-35, le KFX-GSX serait un avion multirôle doté d’une avionique nouvelle génération ne nécessitant pas de biplace (comme le F-22, F-35, T-50, Gripen E) l’avion offrirait une capacité de furtivité, mais de manière limitée, car l’ensemble des points de charges sont situés sous les ailes et le fuselage. L’avion serait doté d’un radar actif à balayage électronique (AESA).



Photos : 1 Projet KFX-GSX 2 & 3  Planches de présentation @ KAI

http://psk.blog.24heures.ch/archive/2014/01/26/la-coree-decidee-a-produire-un-avion-de-combat-854987.html

Citation :

BAE orders Raytheon advanced combat radar for South Korean KF-16 modernisation

Raytheon has been awarded a contract to support the upgrade of the Republic of Korea Air Force's (ROKAF) KF-16C/D Block 52 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft fleet.
 
Awarded by BAE Systems, the contract covers supply of an integrated solution comprising Raytheon advanced combat radar (RACR), ALR-69A all-digital radar warning receiver, and advanced mission computing technology and weapon systems integration for the 130 KF-16C/D Block 52 fleet.
 
Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems International Strategy and Business Development vice-president Jim Hvizd said the competitive selection of RACR by South Korea last year gave the company an important foothold in the international F-16 upgrade market.
 
"The addition of our EW and mission computing expertise and our weapon systems integration will provide the Republic of Korea with an operationally superior solution that will keep their KF-16s relevant for years to come," Hvizd said.

Apart from making South Korea the first international customer for F-16 RACR radar, the contract also adds the aircraft to an inventory of fighters retrofitted with Raytheon active electronically scanned array (AESA) radars, such as F-15C, F-15E, F/A-18E/F and the EA-18G Growler.
 
Already built and test-flown on the F-16, the RACR is a compact, lightweight and scalable radar designed to enable pilots to simultaneously detect, identify and track multiple air and surface targets in the battlefield.
 
The contract's value and additional details, including delivery schedule, remain undisclosed.
 
Powered by F100-PW-229 engines, the KF-16 is a Korean version of the combat proven F-16 fighter, and was built by Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) under license from its manufacturer, Lockheed Martin, in the 1990s.

http://www.airforce-technology.com/news/newsbae-orders-raytheon-advanced-combat-radar-for-south-korean-kf-16-modernisation-4166117

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Signature de l’accord d’acquisition des chasseurs F-35 au T3

SEOUL, 27 jan. (Yonhap)

Le gouvernement signera l’accord d’acquisition de 40 chasseurs F-35 du constructeur américain Lockheed Martin au troisième trimestre, a fait savoir ce lundi l’Administration du programme d’acquisition de défense (DAPA).

La DAPA a approuvé l’acquisition de 40 F-35 à partir de 2018, se réservant la possibilité d’acquérir 20 autres chasseurs par la suite selon le budget et la situation sécuritaire. «Une fois que la DAPA aura approuvé la révision du plan d’acquisition entre février et mars, nous nous efforcerons à conclure un accord au troisième trimestre après les négociations et les tests aériens», a déclaré le brigadier-général de l’armée de l’air et directeur du département aéronautique de la DAPA Jung Kwang-sun lors d’un point de presse.

La DAPA a estimé à 7.400 milliards de wons le budget nécessaire pour acquérir les 40 F-35, qui comprend armes et équipements. L’Institut coréen pour les analyses de défense va mener de son côté sa propre évaluation budgétaire. Le budget sera confirmé en coopération avec le ministère des Finances, chargé des allocations budgétaires.

La DAPA devrait acquérir les avions via une transaction de gouvernement à gouvernement, sans appel d’offres, car le F-35 est vendu uniquement à travers le programme américain de ventes militaires à l’étranger (FMS). Le FMS dicte qu’un gouvernement étranger paie le montant voulu par le gouvernement américain pour les F-35 au moment de l'achat effectif des avions.

Lockheed Martin a indiqué le mois dernier qu’il offrira son soutien au projet de développement du chasseur sud-coréen de nouvelle génération et au lancement d’un satellite de communication militaire malgré l’achat réduit de 40 avions, contre 60 prévus initialement.
http://rpdefense.over-blog.com/2014/02/signature-de-l%E2%80%99accord-d%E2%80%99acquisition-des-chasseurs-f-35-au-t3.html

Citation :

Sale adds to South Korea's existing inventory of Mavericks

SINGAPORE, Feb. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) was awarded a $31 million contract from the Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration for additional AGM-65G-2 Maverick missiles. Under the direct commercial sale, Raytheon will supply the missiles to the Republic of Korea Air Force.

"These new Mavericks will provide the Republic of Korea Air Force with additional firepower and will add to South Korea's existing inventory," said Jack Roosa, Raytheon Missile Systems Maverick program director. "Raytheon remains committed to delivering superior weapons that support the mission of our allies and enhance their capability."

About Maverick

Maverick is a versatile precision-guided missile that is effective against a wide variety of fixed, stationary, moving and maneuvering targets both on land and sea. With more than 7,800 launched in combat, Maverick is employed by the United States Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied nations on more than 25 types of aircraft.

Maverick features two warhead options: 300 lb blast fragmentation or 125 lb shaped charge. The three seeker choices of CCD (TV), infrared and laser enable warfighters to conduct around-the-clock operations.

http://raytheon.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=43&item=2518

Citation :

Raytheon awarded $123 million Phalanx contract from Republic of Korea

Systems to go aboard FFX-, AOE II-class ships

TUCSON, Ariz., Feb. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) signed a $123 million contract to deliver nine Phalanx Block 1B Close-In Weapon Systems to the Republic of Korea Navy.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140224/NE66690 )

Under the direct commercial sale, the largest ever for the Phalanx program, Raytheon will deliver the Phalanx systems for installation aboard the FFX Batch II frigate-class ships and AOE II-class fast combat support ships.

Deliveries will begin in 2016 and are scheduled to be completed in 2022. The contract was signed during the fourth quarter 2013.

"Phalanx provides the vital protective capabilities needed for the Republic of Korea Navy to achieve its maritime mission requirements in the littorals and high seas in which it operates," said Rick Nelson, vice president of Raytheon's Naval and Area Mission Defense product line. "Phalanx counters sophisticated subsonic and supersonic anti-ship missiles while increasing the outer perimeter for ship self-defense."

http://raytheon.mediaroom.com

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S. Korea to expand naval task groups with more Aegis destroyers


SEOUL, March 7 (Yonhap) -- South Korea plans to expand naval task groups with Aegis destroyers in the next decade in an effort to boost combat capabilities against North Korea and its Asian neighbors, the defense ministry said Friday.

South Korea currently operates one naval task group with three Aegis-equipped guided missile destroyers. Envisaging the deployment of three more 7,400-ton Aegis destroyers from 2023 to 2027, the defense reform plan for 2014-2030 calls for reorganization of naval task groups, though it does not specify a particular schedule.

"The military plans to reorganize the naval task forces by around 2023 in connection with the additional acquisition of Aegis destroyers," a senior ministry official said, asking for anonymity. "The task forces will be operated to deter North Korea's nuclear and missile threats, and prepare for all-out battles with the North and maritime disputes with neighboring nations."

The defense blueprint calls for the establishment of another naval task group in 2023, and one more by around 2030, when all three Aegis ships are expected to be deployed.

A naval task group is usually composed of two Aegis destroyers, two 4,400 Korean-type destroyers and two submarines. When the deployment of 5,000-ton class Aegis destroyers and 3,000-ton submarines is completed in 2030, they will also become part of the task groups.

Despite the Navy's latest radar system, the South Korean Aegis ships are currently limited in countering North Korea's ballistic missiles, with their SM-2 missiles having a range of just 148 kilometers.

However, the long-term defense plan does not envisage equipping new ships with longer-range interceptors, such as the SM-3, a ship-based missile used to intercept short- to intermediate-range ballistic missile.

Japan has armed six of its Aegis ships with SM-3 Block 1B missiles, approving a budget to upgrade them with longer-range missiles from 2018 to enhance its ballistic missile defense capabilities against an increasingly assertive China.

Although more advanced ships and submarines are expected to be in place in the next decade, the Navy faces fewer personnel under the long-term defense plan that freezes the total number of naval forces at 41,000.

Among them, 21,000 are conscripts who serve the compulsory military service for two years, raising concern over a lack of sailors with technical skills and expertise.

"Although the government acknowledges Aegis destroyers and large submarines as strategic weapons, it is not interested in how to maintain forces to operate the ships," a senior Navy official said, asking for anonymity as he was not authorized to speak to media.

"The military should establish alternatives by assigning professional soldiers to combat missions, while outsourcing maintenance and support tasks to other organizations."

http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr

Citation :

South Korea says seeks Patriot missiles upgrade deal by December

(Reuters) - South Korea will sign a deal to upgrade its Patriot missile system by the end of this year, the defense procurement agency said on Wednesday, with the contract valued at around 1.5 trillion won ($1.41 billion).

The upgrade, which is set to benefit U.S. defense firms Raytheon Co (RTN.N) and Lockheed Martin Corp (LMT.N), is part of South Korea's plan to increase its anti-ballistic capabilities against unpredictable North Korea, which has carried out two long-range missile tests and a nuclear weapons test in the past two years.

"Once the improvement in Patriot capabilities is completed, it will be possible to directly hit the warhead of a ballistic missile to prevent damage to the ground," Baek Youn-hyeong, a spokesman for the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), told reporters.

South Korea wants to upgrade its Patriot missile launch system to PAC-3 Configuration 3 as well as buy PAC-3 missiles, with delivery expected to start in 2016, another DAPA official told Reuters. He declined to be named as he was not authorised to speak to the media.

A spokesperson for Raytheon, which makes the Patriot launch system, said the company had provided South Korea with the necessary information. A spokesperson for Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the PAC-3 missiles, declined to comment.

DAPA officials declined say how much the arms upgrade would cost or give further details about the purchase, but the defence ministry had set aside around 1.5 trillion Korean won for the upgrade in an earlier arms procurement plan.

Hwang Sung-hwan, head of DAPA's guided weapons programmes, said it would cost South Korea between 3.4 trillion and 3.5 trillion won ($3.2-3.3 billion) to buy a whole, brand-new system instead of upgrading existing equipment.

South Korea has since 2008 imported its Patriot missiles second-hand from Germany. It currently has PAC-2 missiles and the PAC-3 Configuration 2 launch system and last week, the defence ministry said it would spend some 70 trillion won over the next four years to bolster its defences against North Korea.

....

Citation :

ROC Navy christens its first Catamaran Corvette "Tuo River"