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A view of the Land Based Test System (LBTS) for the KDDX destroyer's combat system. /Defense Acquisition Program Administration

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) will hold an opening ceremony for the Land Based Test System (LBTS) for the KDDX destroyer's combat system at the Agency for Defense Development's (ADD) Samcheok Maritime Research Center on Nov. 12.

A combat system integrates a warship's sensors, weapons, communications and navigation systems to detect, track and respond to enemy threats. In particular, a highly capable and reliable combat system is essential for responding quickly and accurately to various maritime threats, including North Korean missiles.

The LBTS is a facility where a combat system undergoes comprehensive performance testing and verification on land before being installed aboard a warship. It is expected to contribute to the stable development and performance of combat systems by identifying and addressing potential problems before installation. Covering approximately 6,700 square meters, it is the largest land-based naval combat system test facility in South Korea and is scheduled to begin full-scale operations next year.

In particular, the facility is also expected to serve as a foundation for evolutionary development even after development of the destroyer's combat system is completed, enabling the identification of advanced technologies for application to domestically developed naval combat systems and continuous performance improvements. By establishing domestic testing and verification capabilities for homegrown combat systems, DAPA aims to reduce reliance on foreign technology and contribute to future performance upgrades of South Korean warships and stronger export competitiveness.

Jeong Jae-jun, head of DAPA's Current Capabilities Program Agency, said, "The opening of the LBTS for the KDDX destroyer's combat system is highly significant because it supports the successful development of the destroyer's combat system and establishes a foundation for verifying the performance of naval combat systems." He added, "We will continue to actively support the evolutionary development and performance upgrades of combat systems using advanced technologies, contributing to stronger combat capabilities for our Navy and greater export competitiveness for South Korea's defense industry."

                                                                                                              Lee Han-sol