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Thales preselected for the KDX-III destroyer program of the Republic of Korea Navy

29 November 2001

Thales preselected for the KDX-III destroyer program of the Republic of Korea Navy

The Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense announced on 15 October 2001 that Thales Naval Nederland is one of the two final candidates selected for the combat system of the KDX-III Destroyer program for the ROK Navy.

The selection is for the second phase of the procurement process, referred to as the Test & Evaluation and Negotiation phase. Final selection by the ROK MND is anticipated in June 2002. The combat system proposed by Thales Naval Nederland includes the APAR multifunction radar, the SMART-L volume search radar, the SIRIUS infrared search and track system (IRST), as well as the combat direction system with associated software and interfaces to other equipment.

These systems have already been ordered by the Royal Netherlands Navy and the German Navy for their seven frigates altogether, and are currently undergoing sea trials. All systems feature the latest technology, such as active phased array radar and doppler radar and the latest generation IRST systems, and are now in series production.

Thales is very pleased to have been selected and proud of the confidence expressed in its systems and capabilities. This selection also confirms Thales' presence in Korea. In 2000, Thales created a 50-50 joint venture in Korea called Samsung Thales Co Ltd (STC). This joint-venture is fully in line with Thales' multi-domestic growth and development strategy. Samsung Thales Co Ltd (STC) is the first structural alliance of its kind in Asia.

Samsung Thales Co Ltd (STC), a Korean-registered company, develops products for the defence sector, including a full range of systems and equipment in the fields of optronics, military communications, naval combat systems and air defense systems. These activities are complementary to Thales' and are part of the Group's core businesses The selection for the second phase confirms Thales' commitment to Korea as the joint venture Samsung Thales Co Ltd (STC) was the prime contractor for the combat systems of the KDX-I & II destroyer programmes.

Press contacts :
Thales - Matt Pothecary - Tel : +33 (0) 1 53 77 86 26
Thales Naval Nederland - Ingrid de Graaff - Tel : +31 74 248 2697