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

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 :

South Korea successfully tested Haegung surface-to-air missile

According to information published by Yonhap News Agency on November 10, 2021, South Korea has successfully conducted key performance tests of the homegrown ship-based guided-missile, Haegung, ahead of its deployment next year, the state-run defense quality assessment agency and Navy officials.

Launch of Haegung surface-to-air missile from a ship (Picture source: Facebook account of Republic of Korea Armed Forces)

The Defense Agency for Technology and Quality (DTaQ) said that the missile, called the Haegung, hit the intended target in two tests, one conducted on December 8 and one on December 10. Haegung means sea bow in Korean.

The K-SAAM (Korean Surface to Air Anti Missile, Korean: "Haegung") is a South Korean medium-range ship-based surface-to-air missile (SAM) system that is being developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), LIG Nex1, and Hanhwa Defense.

It features inertial mid-course guidance and a dual microwave and Infrared homing seeker for terminal guidance. It will replace RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM). It deployed on Daegu-class frigates and ROKS Marado.


https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2021/december/11110-south-korea-successfully-tested-haegung-surface-to-air-missile.html

Code:

https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/south-korea-grounds-f-35-fleet-after-emergency-landing

Citation :

South Korea Tests Indigenous Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missile

27 Februari 2022


This L-SAM design shows the system is being developed to fire anti-aircraft (top) and anti-ballistic missiles (bottom) (image : DAPA)

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has confirmed to Janes that it has test-launched the country's indigenously developed long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM) system.

A spokesperson for DAPA said the L-SAM launch took place on 23 February and was overseen by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), a DAPA subsidiary. According to local reports, the launch was conducted from Taean County in the southwest of Seoul.


L-SAM launcher (photo : DAPA)

The DAPA spokesperson did not provide additional details of the launch, which was reportedly conducted to test whether the L-SAM system can launch missiles on an intended trajectory and at precise targets.

The L-SAM system has been under development for the Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) since 2019 as a direct countermeasure to North Korea's advancing ballistic missile capability.

The project is led by the ADD and local company LIG Nex1. The development of the missile system is expected to be completed in 2024.


L-SAM radar (image : ADD)

According to LIG Nex1, the L-SAM system, which has not yet been publicly named, will be equipped with two types of interceptor missiles: a ballistic missile interceptor and an aircraft interceptor.

The former is expected to have a range of 150 km and be capable of intercepting missiles at altitudes between 40 and 100 km. The aircraft interceptor is intended for use against high-flying aircraft to ranges of 150 km. It will be powered by a dual-pulse solid-propellant rocket motor.

According to the ADD, an L-SAM battery will consist of a multifunction radar, a command-and-control (C2) centre, a combat control station, and four truck-mounted launchers: two for the new anti-aircraft and two for the new anti-ballistic missiles.

http://defense-studies.blogspot.com/2022/02/south-korea-tests-indigenous-long-range.html    

Citation :

US DoD grants contracts to Textron for Tunisian Air Force T-6C and to Lockheed Martin for Korean Air Force F-16s


Aviation Defense News July 2022 aerospace air force industry


POSTED ON FRIDAY, 01 JULY 2022 11:12

---

The U.S. Department of Defense on June 30 announced several contracts, among which two concern foreign air forces: Textron Aviation Defense for Tunisian Air Force T-6C training aircraft, and Lockheed Martin for F-16 fighters.

---

 
The latest T-6C variant will revolutionize Tunisian pilot training and will replace both the
SIAI-Marchetti SF-260 for elementary/basic training and the Aero L-39s that are now
used in the advanced training role. (Picture source: Textron)

---

Textron Aviation Defense, Wichita, Kansas, has been awarded a $90,686,042, bilateral modification (PZ0011) to previously awarded FA8617-C-21-6235 for the Tunisia T-6C aircraft procurement effort. The contract modification is for the procurement of eight T-6C aircraft, spare parts, spare engines, aircraft support equipment, FSR support, Ground-Based Training System (GBTS), Operational Flight Trainer (OFT), Computer Based Training Lab (CBT), interim contractor support, personal life support equipment, country-specific technical orders, installation of GBTS, OFT, and CBT, and ferry and support as well as digitization of the FA8617-21-C-6235 undefined contract action. Work will be performed in Wichita, Kansas, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2026. This modification involves Foreign Military Sales to Tunisia. Tunisia FMS funds are being obligated at the time of the award. The total cumulative face value of the contract is $105,422,012. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, is the contracting activity.

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Fort Worth, Texas, has been awarded a $69,362,018 firm-fixed-price contract for F-16 Systems Program Office support. The contractor will provide Korea Peace Bridge Upgrade, Advanced Identification Friend or Foe, and Link 16 upgrade for the Republic of Korea's F-16 partial fleet. Work will be performed in Fort Worth, Texas; Greenville, South Carolina; Edwards Air Force Base, California; and the Republic of Korea, and is expected to be complete by Oct. 31, 2026. This award is the result of a source direction. Foreign Military Sales funds of $69,362,018 are being obligated at the time of the award. Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Hill AFB, Utah, is the contracting activity (FA8232-22-C-0006).


US DoD grants contracts to Textron for Tunisian Air Force T-6C and to Lockheed Martin for Korean Air Force F-16s (airrecognition.com)

Citation :

06/07/2022

20 F-35 additionnels pour la Corée du Sud !

Séoul, l’agence de défense sud-coréenne a soutenu l'achat de plus d'avions de combat F-35A dans le cadre du projet FX. Le projet concerne l’achat d’un nouveau lot portant sur 20 avions de combat Lockheed Martin F-35A « Lightning II ».

Achat rapide

Selon le membre de l'Assemblée nationale Daesik Kang du Parti du pouvoir populaire au pouvoir, l'administration du programme d'acquisition de la défense a participé à une réunion du comité de la défense le 9 juin dernier pour discuter du projet FX. Le DAPA a déclaré que dans le cadre de cet effort, la Corée du Sud recevrait 20 jets F-35A fabriqués par Lockheed Martin pour son armée de l'air d'ici 2030. Le législateur a qualifié l'acquisition de "appropriée" compte tenu des avancées nucléaires et balistiques de la Corée du Nord. "Il est impératif que la ROKAF (South Korean Air Force) augmente ses capacités de dissuasion contre la Corée du Nord avec le F-35. Le comité devrait accélérer les procédures de suivi en réduisant autant que possible la période d'étude de faisabilité du projet.

Jusqu’à 60 F-35

Lockheed Martin a livrés 40 F-35A Block 3 commandés par le pays, en décembre 2021. Les 20 autres aéronefs devraient être au standard Block 4, qui seront capables de compromettre les radars ennemis et d'autres équipements électroniques. Ils disposeront d'un système électro-optique amélioré. De même, l'armée de l'air a souligné la nécessité de renforcer ses capacités furtives au milieu d'une flotte d'avions de combat vieillissants, des progrès des missiles nucléaires nord-coréens et des efforts de développement des pays voisins pour les avions furtifs de cinquième génération.

Même si l’avion de combat indigène KF-21, est développé comme prévu d'ici 2026, l'armée de l'air craint un écart prolongé de puissance aérienne sans renforts supplémentaires de 2025 à 2031, alors qu'elle devrait avoir un écart de 70 jets par rapport à sa taille de flotte minimale requise.

Le F-35 de Lockheed Martin

A la fois furtif et relativement léger (20 tonnes en combat), le F-35 «Lightning II», nommé ainsi en hommage au légendaire P-38,est totalement multirôle (air-air, air-sol, antinavire, reconnaissance, SEAD/DEAD.

• Radar à antenne électronique active AN/APG-81 (issu du AN/APG-77 du F-22 Raptor) avec des modes air-air, suivi de terrain, détection de mobiles terrestres, écoute passive et des capacités de brouillage.
  
• brouilleur Sanders/ITT ALQ-214.
  
• AN/AAQ-37 Distributed Aperture System, comprenant 6 détecteurs infrarouges répartis en différents points de façon à fournir une vision à 360° autour de l'avion.
  
• Electro-Optical Sensor System (EOSS), système de localisation et désignation comprenant un FLIR, 6 caméras TV couvrant 360° et un système Laser (télémétrie, désignation de cible).
  
  
  

Le tableau de bord se compose principalement de 2 écrans LCD couleurs de 20 x 25 cm. Leur surface est tactile, ce qui supprime le besoin de boutons de sélection. Le traditionnel viseur tête haute est supprimé, les informations étant projetées directement sur la visière du casque du pilote.

Photo :F-35 aux couleurs de la ROKAF @ ROKAF



20 F-35 additionnels pour la Corée du Sud ! : avia news (24heures.ch)

Citation :

South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet conducts ground tests ahead of first flight

CLEMENT CHARPENTREAU

A KF-21 fighter prototype was spotted undergoing ground tests at Korea Aerospace Industries’ facility near Sacheon airport, South Korea. 

Footage shared on YouTube on July 4, 2022, shows the aircraft crossing a road that has been closed to traffic. It then proceeds to taxi at high-speed along a runway.

 

Located south of the country, Sacheon Airport (HIN) houses the headquarters of Korea Aerospace Industries, which develops and manufactures the upcoming 4.5 generation fighter jet. The 3rd Flying Training Wing of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is also based in the vicinity of the airport. 

The KF-21 Boramae is a result of the long-running KF-X development program, a joint development between South Korea and Indonesia. Another partner of the project, GE Aviation supplies F414 engines used on F/A-18E/F Super Hornets and Saab JAS 39E/F Gripens.  

According to KAI, the maiden flight of the prototype is scheduled for the end of July 2022, and mass production will commence in 2026. The ROKAF hopes to receive 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032 to replace its aging fighters, namely the F-4E and F-5E. 



KF-21 fighter conducts ground tests ahead of first flight (aerotime.aero)

Citation :

South Korea launches first KDX III Batch II destroyer Jeongjo the Great


Naval News July 2022 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry


POSTED ON THURSDAY, 28 JULY 2022 16:37

---

According to information published by the South Korean MoD on July 28, 2022, the launching ceremony of the first Sejong the Great-class destroyer (KDX-III) Batch II Jeongjo the Great was held at the Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea.

---

Sejong the Great-class destroyer (KDX-III) Batch II Jeongjo the Great (Picture source: South
Korean MoD)

---

Jeongjo the Great is the first ship of the KDX III Batch II, which refers to the next-generation Aegis destroyer, and the fourth Aegis ship of the Navy.

The destroyer, designed and built independently in Korea, saw its groundbreaking ceremony take place in 2021, the construction contract having been signed in 2019. Two more Aegis ships of her class will be built in the future.

King Jeongjo is 600 tons larger than the King Sejong class (7,600 tons) destroyer and is said to have advanced vertical launch ballistic missile defense.

The destroyer has a beam of 21 meters and a displacement of 8,300 tons, she can reach a top speed of 30 knots (56 km/h. 35 mph) and can carry a complement of 300 sailors.

It is equipped with an advanced integrated sonar system developed with domestic technology and long-range anti-submarine torpedoes and light torpedoes.

As for the propulsion system, two hybrid electric propulsion systems (HEDs) are added to the four King Sejong-class gas turbine engines, enabling economical maneuvering to save fuel.

The ceremony was attended by about 150 people, including President Yoon Seok-yeol, First Lady Kim Kun-hee, government and military officials, lawmakers, and defense industry officials.



South Korea launches first KDX III Batch II destroyer Jeongjo the Great (navyrecognition.com)

Citation :

LAST UPDATED: 07 DECEMBER 2022





CH-47F Chinooks for the Republic of Korea (RoK)



After much debate, the Republic of Korea has requested to buy eighteen Boeing CH-47F Chinook helicopters, together with spare engines and various mission systems. On 6 December 2022, the US Department of State approved this deal which will be an Foreign Military Sale (FMS) project.
Currently, the RoK operates around 43 Chinooks, most of them are over thirty years old, some parts of the former US Army Korea CH-47D Chinooks (upgraded older models) are even much older. The Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) is the main operator of the Chinook, with 301 and 302 Aviation Battalion at Icheon air base operating the CH-47D and CH-47D(LR)/SD variants. The air force (RoKAF) operates the HH-47D variant with 231 Combat Search& Rescue Squadron at Cheongju air base.



In October 2020, a study of the Defense Acquisition and Program Administration (DAPA) concluded it would be cheaper to buy new helicopters than opgrading (part of) the existing fleet. Main reason for the high upgrade costs is the fact Boeing no longer produces parts for the older versions, so ordering these parts specially could be very expensive. Also the integration of new Korean made equipment into upgraded airframes seemed impossible due to incompatibility, according to the study.
In July 2022, the RoK government decided to buy new Chinooks under the Heavy-lift Helicopter II programme. The new helicopters will be delivered by 2028, however as Korea needs more Chinooks, a follow-up order might be expected. It is thought some of the new batch will be MH-47 special operations variants.



Photo (just illustrative) by Jeroen Hensbergen (Scramble Archive)


CH-47F Chinooks for the Republic of Korea (RoK) (scramble.nl)

Citation :

Ssang Yong 23 Amphibious Assault

 HWAJIN-RI BEACH, Republic of Korea (March 29, 2023) - Republic of Korea Marines drive a Korean amphibious assault vehicle onto the beach during an amphibious assault training exercise for Ssang Yong 23. Celebrating the 70th anniversary of the U.S. - ROK Alliance, Ssang Yong 2023 strengthens the Alliance through bilateral, joint training, contributing toward the ROK's combined defense of the Korean Peninsula and increasing the readiness of the U.S. -ROK Alliance. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Kevin G. Rivas)

Posted by Solomon at 3/31/2023 08:26:00 PM 

SNAFU!: Ssang Yong 23 Amphibious Assault (snafu-solomon.com)

Citation :

Sunday, April 16, 2023

South Korea plans to build three “arsenal ships” capable of carrying 80 ballistic missiles by end of 2020s

via Reddit Republic of Korea Navy has reportedly selected Daewoo Shipbuilding & Engineering (DSME) to design its future arsenal ships on 11 April 2023. Locally known as “Joint Firepower Vessel (합동화력함),” three arsenal ships are expected to enter service with the ROKN by late 2020s. They’re expected to displace around 5~8,000 tons and armed with up to 80 ballistic missiles, CIWS, torpedos, and other defensive armaments. ROKN’s future arsenal ships are similar in deign to US Navy concept devised in the 90s, though its operating concept will be and operational environment will be quite different from what USN envisioned. Designed solely for land attack mission,arsenal ships are a practical solution that will address current shortcomings faced by South Korean kill chain and massive retaliation networks. Despite possessing a large inventory of Hyunmoo-series conventional land-attack ballistic and cruise missiles, South Korea reportedly possesses only around 60+ transporter erector launchers (TEL). These specialized launch vehicles are expensive, maintenance & manpower heavy, require lengthy reload period, and vulnerable to North Korean attacks. With current TEL inventory, it is impossible to launch mass missile salvo that is required in the initial stage of the war against North Korea. The arsenal ship will address this shortcoming by providing a relatively low-cost, mobile, and survivable launch platform capable of mass salvo fire at a moment’s notice. South Korea is currently undertaking a massive effort to consolidate its strategic strike & missile defense assets under a single umbrella of the ROK Strategic Command slated to become online in 2024. These arsenal ships will likely fall under its operational control. Although these arsenal ships are extremely vulnerable against modern anti-ship threats posed by adversaries like China, they are being designed exclusively for a North Korean contingency. They will operate far from reaches of North Korean coastal defense cruise missiles and submarines, likely in relative safety of South Korea’s southern coastline or far off the Easter coastline. The ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff initially identified arsenal ships as part of its long-term procurement plan in 2018. Once DSME completes conceptual design this year, arsenal ships will become part of next year’s mid-term procurement plan and undergo necessary procurement procedures. SNAFU!: South Korea plans to build three “arsenal ships” capable of carrying 80 ballistic missiles by end of 2020s (snafu-solomon.com)

Citation :

Hanwha Ocean to build future South Korean Ulsan class Batch-III frigates


Naval News July 2023 Navy Forces Maritime Defense Industry

POSTED ON FRIDAY, 14 JULY 2023 15:30

 
According to information published by 최우리 기자 on July 14, 2023, Hanwha Ocean has been selected as the preferred bidder for the construction of the Ulsan-class Batch-III 5th and 6th vessels, beating HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.


First Ulsan class Batch III frigate ROKS Chungnam. (Picture source: South Korean MoD)


This marks Hanwha Ocean's first naval vessel contract since its launch following the acquisition of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering by the Hanwha Group.


About the class of frigates

The Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates are a groundbreaking addition to the nation's maritime security architecture. Known as the Chunnam-class frigate program, it signals a new dawn in naval technology, launching a flotilla of six modern 3,500-ton warships, the mightiest in its armada.

The conception of these frigates can be traced back to their forerunners, the Ulsan-class Batch-II, which initiated a new chapter in South Korea's naval history.

Sequentially building on their predecessors' strengths, the Ulsan-class Batch-III is a significant leap, dwarfing the 2,800-ton Daegu-class frigates, with its substantial light displacement of 3,500 tons and a formidable full load displacement of 4,300 tons.

The first of this advanced breed, the Chunnam, was born from a historic pact inked between the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and Hyundai Heavy Industries, a heavyweight in South Korea's shipbuilding industry, on March 16, 2020.

The Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates, with their state-of-the-art features, are uniquely positioned as South Korea's pioneering homegrown mini-Aegis ships. They sport a cutting-edge composite sensor mast, akin to the AESA radar mounted on Aegis ships.

This sensor mast, a collaborative venture by Hanwha Systems and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), symbolizes South Korea's commitment to technological self-reliance.

Taking inspiration from Israel's EL/M-2248 MF-STAR, a destroyer-based AESA radar, these frigates are set to carry a similar Hanwha-developed composite sensor mast. This could point to a strategic tech acquisition when South Korea imported the EL/M-2248 MF-STAR.

Setting them apart is the hybrid propulsion system, a blend of quiet electric propulsion for regular operations, swiftly transitioning to a gas turbine propulsion system in emergency scenarios. This offers a perfect balance between stealth and speed, vital in the modern naval battlefield.

In terms of armament, the Ulsan-class Batch-III frigates carry a diverse array of weaponry, ranging from a 5-inch 54 caliber Mark 45 naval gun, Red Shark anti-submarine missiles, Haegung surface-to-air missiles, to Haeryong ground missiles.

Detection and surveillance are facilitated by the composite sensor mast, and their operational capability is enhanced by two high-speed boats and a Super Lynx or Wildcat helicopter unit.


https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/july/13351-hanwha-ocean-to-build-future-south-korean-ulsan-class-batch-iii-frigates.html  

Citation :

대한민국 해병대 Republic of Korea Marine Corps

PHOTOS:

Citation :

LAST UPDATED: 21 JULY 2023



South Korean Marines receive final batch of Marineons  


Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) delivered the final MUH-1 Marineon helicopter to the Daehanminguk Haebyeongdae (RoKMC, Republic of Korea Marine Corps) on 28 June 2023. It is believed a total of 30 MUH-1s were ordered in 2016 with deliveries starting a year later. Beginning 2018 the first two were transferred to the 1st Marine Division, 1st Aviation Battalion at Pohang.

The MUH-1 Marineon (MUH = Marine Utility Helicopter) is a sea-based amphibious variant of the KUH-1 Surion in service with the RoK Army. It has a 96 percent commonality with the Surion but has various modifications including an integrated flotation system, auxiliary fuel tank and specialised radio equipment. After a crash at Pohang of Marineon 17002, production was temporarily stopped, but continued after the cause of the crash, a faulty main rotor mast, was determined.

Besides operating from two land bases, Pohang and Yagam-ri, the MUH-1 Marineons often deploy on RoK Navy ships. Most recently, two Marineons were noted aboard the ROKS Marado (LPH-6112) at Gladstone, Queensland Australia on 18 July.

Photo by Korea Aerospace Industries


https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/south-korean-marines-receive-final-batch-of-marineons  

.@MBDAGroup announced a new contract with Korea Aerospace Industries to arm Korean Marine Attack Helicopters with Mistral ATAM air-to-air missile https://t.co/rVSz61L40S

— Naval News (@navalnewscom) October 18, 2023

Citation :

La Corée du Sud envisage de réduire la production d’avions de combat KF-21

NOUVELLESAVIATION Par Gu Min Chul

1 novembre 2023


Photo de Korea Aerospace Industries


Une agence de recherche sud-coréenne sur la défense a recommandé de réduire la production d’avions de combat KF-21.

Les inquiétudes concernant la compétitivité des prix et les incertitudes entourant le projet sud-coréen KF-21 Boramae ont incité l’Institut coréen d’analyse de la défense à recommander de réduire le volume de production initial.

Le plan initial prévoyait la production de 120 avions de combat KF-21 d’ici 2032, mais cela pourrait maintenant être réduit.

Lancé en 2015 avec un budget de 8,9 billions de wons (environ 6,59 milliards de dollars), le projet KF-21 a été lancé pour développer un chasseur supersonique destiné à remplacer les avions F-4 et F-5 vieillissants de la Corée du Sud. Cependant, en raison des incertitudes liées au projet, l’Institut coréen d’analyse de la défense a suggéré de réduire de moitié le nombre d’unités du premier lot, à 20 unités.


Photo de Korea Aerospace Industries


Les résultats de l’étude de faisabilité joueront un rôle crucial dans l’obtention des ressources budgétaires pour la production de la première phase, qui devrait commencer en 2024. La Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) collabore actuellement avec les agences compétentes pour assurer le déploiement en temps opportun du KF-21 et maintenir sa compétitivité en termes de prix et de performances.

Korea Aerospace Industries a développé six prototypes du chasseur de 4,5e génération, qui ont commencé leurs essais en vol plus tôt cette année, la première livraison à l’armée de l’air étant prévue pour le second semestre 2026.


https://defence-blog.com/south-korea-plans-to-reduce-kf-21-fighter-jet-production/