South Korea selects full-electric propulsion for KDDX destroyers

South Korea selected a full-electric propulsion arrangement for six planned KDDX destroyers, with GE Aerospace supplying twelve LM2500+G4 gas turbines, two per ship. Hanwha Aerospace will handle engine components, assembly, testing, and domestic support, while composite enclosures will be provided by NRTEC; Hanwha Ocean received the lead-ship design and construction contract in July. The roughly 6,500-tonne class is intended for air, surface, and anti-submarine warfare, and the first vessel is currently expected to be delivered in 2032. The full-electric configuration is intended to improve fuel economy, operational flexibility, survivability, and growth margins for future onboard systems.