Lee eyes next chapter upon completion of Aegis fleet
President Lee Jae Myung on Wednesday marked the completion of South Korea’s decadeslong Aegis destroyer buildup by setting out the next steps for the country’s shipbuilding and defense industries. Presiding over the launch ceremony of the ROKS Daeho Kim Jong Seo in Ulsan, Lee also stressed the need to strengthen South Korea’s ability to defend ...
President Lee Jae Myung marked the completion of South Korea’s decades-long Aegis destroyer buildup by unveiling the ROKS Daeho Kim Jong Seo in Ulsan, the sixth and final ship in a 24-year program. The vessel, built by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, is equipped with a domestically developed integrated sonar system and enhanced ballistic missile defense capabilities.
During the launch ceremony, Lee emphasized the importance of self-reliant national defense, stating that "self-reliant national defense is sovereignty." He further pledged to press ahead in realizing this goal, vowing to secure key capabilities such as nuclear-powered submarines and crewed-uncrewed fleet carriers. Lee also highlighted the shipbuilding industry's growth from humble beginnings to a global leader, pledging to maintain its technological edge.
The government will support the shipbuilding industry by expanding opportunities for joint research and investment, streamlining procedures, and expanding support for new technologies to be fielded quickly.
Written by urgent.news from Hellenic Shipping News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.