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| ▲ This undated file photo shows an image of an envisioned next-generation destroyer to be built with homegrown technology. (Yonhap) |
DAPA-new destroyer
Arms procurement agency seeks to pick bidder of new destroyer by July
SEOUL, Feb. 23 (Yonhap) -- The state arms procurement agency seeks to choose the bidder to build next-generation destroyers by July, with an aim to deliver the first envisioned vessel to the Navy by the end of 2032, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said Monday.
Under the decision approved at a Defense Project Promotion Committee held earlier in the day, DAPA plans to announce a tender notice for the project to build the country's first fleet of homegrown destroyers in late March and review proposals from May through June before announcing the final winner in July.
The landmark project to build six destroyers had been long delayed, due mainly to intensifying competition and a legal feud between rival shipbuilders Hanwha Ocean Co. and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. that had respectively taken part in the concept design and basic design of the envisioned destroyer.
HD Hyundai was initially expected to be chosen as the sole-source contractor to build the lead ship but faced protest from Hanwha Ocean over an alleged security leak involving HD Hyundai employees in the ship design process.
With the bidding process having been postponed, DAPA said the government will prioritize efforts to prevent a further delay in delivering the new destroyers to the Navy.
"While the project has been substantially delayed, we plan to proceed to deliver all envisioned vessels by 2036 as planned," a DAPA official said, adding the arms agency is also consulting with financial authorities over a possible hike in the cost to build the destroyers due to a rise in foreign currency and other relevant prices.
When delivered, the envisioned 6,000-ton-class Aegis destroyers are expected to become the Navy's future strategic asset, equipped with weapons systems largely developed from homegrown technology.
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