The 172nd meeting of the Defense Acquisition Program Promotion Committee was held on December 22 at the Ministry of National Defense. During the meeting, officials reviewed and approved key plans for the Korea Destroyer Next Generation (KDDX) program, the Military Reconnaissance Satellite-II program, and the development of an advanced indigenous aircraft engine.

KDDX destroyer program approved

The KDDX program aims to build South Korea’s first domestically developed Aegis-class destroyer 

The KDDX program aims to build South Korea’s first domestically developed Aegis-class destroyer, consolidating national shipbuilding expertise and localizing most onboard weapon systems to reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.

The committee approved a designated competitive bidding method to select the contractor responsible for detailed design and lead-ship construction, in accordance with national procurement regulations.

Once commissioned, the KDDX destroyers are expected to serve as the backbone of the Republic of Korea Navy’s mobile fleet and a key maritime component of South Korea’s three-axis defense system, providing enhanced capabilities against nuclear, missile, and undersea threats.

• Program period: 2020–2036

• Total budget: approximately KRW 7.05 trillion(USD 5.3 billion)
  
  Reconnaissance Satellite-II to be developed domestically
  
  The 425 Project is a South Korean military space program aimed at developing and deploying a constellation of five reconnaissance satellites to enhance the country's independent military satellite capabilities.
  
  The Military Reconnaissance Satellite-II program will replace existing reconnaissance satellites deployed under the “425 Project” with upgraded systems offering higher resolution and longer operational life.
  
  

  Officials approved a strategy to acquire the new satellites through domestic development, a move expected to significantly improve target identification and threat assessment, particularly in monitoring North Korean military activities.
  
  

  • Program period: 2027–2035

• Total budget: approximately KRW 1.8 trillion(USD 1.35 billion)
  
  Indigenous advanced aircraft engine development

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• The engine is designed to generate 16,000 pounds of thrust, increasing to 24,000 pounds with afterburner.The advanced aircraft engine program focuses on developing South Korea’s first domestically produced turbofan engine for future combat aircraft. The engine is designed to generate 16,000 pounds of thrust, increasing to 24,000 pounds with afterburner.
  
  The development will be led by a national consortium involving industry, academia, and research institutions, covering prototype production, certification testing, and preparation for flight trials on an aircraft platform.
  
  

  • Program period: 2027–2040

  • Total budget: approximately KRW 3.35 trillion(USD 2.52 billion)
    
    South Korean defense officials said the decisions underscore the government’s push to strengthen defense self-reliance while enhancing long-term competitiveness in the global defense market through indigenous technology development.
    
    K-DEFENSE NEWS | Strategic Analysis Desk
    
    

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