The qualification trials for the Lockheed Martin [LMT]-built Aegis Combat System on a second ship of a new class of South Korean destroyers were recently completed, the defense contractor said recently.
The trials aboard the Yulgok Yi I (DDG-992) took place off the coast of the U.S. Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) in Kauai, Hawaii, and are the final tests of system design, hardware and software integration, as well as ship construction and crew training.
“These trials validate Yulgok Yi I’s Aegis Combat System, ship and crew and their ability to execute Combat System missions,” Doug Wilhelm, a director of international programs at Lockheed Martin, said.
The Yulgok Yi I is the second of three of the Korean Destroyer Experimental (KDX-III) group of ships. The combat readiness evaluation included manned aircraft raids, electronic attack scenarios and live air-defense engagements.
The first KDX-III destroyer, Sejong the Great, deployed in 2009, Lockheed Martin said, adding the KDX-III ships are the largest in the world deploying the Aegis Combat System. Aside from the United States and South Korea, Australia, Japan, Norway and Spain also employ Aegis.