Goalkeeper CIWS planned for new Korean destroyers

Sea Power, Apr 2000

Hollandse Signaalapparaten BV (Signaal), a Thomson-CSF subsidiary, is under contract to supply the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) with three Goalkeeper 30mm Close-in Weapon Systems (CIWSs). Under the contract, which also provides for spares, the three CIWSs are to be installed in the ROKN's new KDX-2 type destroyers starting in June 2002. The ROKN already has six Goalkeeper systems installed in its three King Kanggwaetoclass (KDX-1) destroyers.

in addition to the Goalkeepers, Signaal has supplied several radar and fire-control systems to South Korea over the last 20 years. When the KDX-2 program was approved by the ROK government early last year, Signaal was included as subcontractor to LG and Samsung for two STIR 2.4 radars, one MW-08 radar, and two Multifunction Consoles (MFCs) for each of the three destroyers.

Meanwhile, United Defense LP has been awarded a licensed coproduction contract by the Kia Heavy Industries Corporation (KHI) in South Korea for three Mk45 Mod 4 5-inch/62-caliber guns, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2001 and to conclude in 2003. The value of the contract to United Defense is approximately $22 million.

The lightweight Mk45 will be installed in the first three KDX-2 destroyers. The contract covers licensed coproduction with KHI, spares, technical assistance, and training. The ROKN has selected KHI as the prime contractor for the gun systems of the KDX-2 program. The KDX-2 program is likely to run to six units, followed by a much larger KDX-3 design resembling that of Japan's Kongo-class Aegis guided-missile destroyers.