Hanwha Aerospace has wrapped up development of the Korean Vertical Launching System (KVLS-II), a five-year project to give South Korea’s warships more firepower and flexibility.
Built on an “Any Cell, Any Missile” concept, the system can adapt a single launch tube to different weapons — whether ship-to-ground, ship-to-ship, or ship-to-air.
It is also engineered to handle hotter rocket exhaust than older systems, with redundant tubes ensuring missiles can still launch even if one malfunctions.
The KVLS-II will be installed on the Jeongjo the Great Aegis destroyer later this year before rolling out to upcoming Korean warships.
Hanwha developed the system in partnership with the South Korean government and other corporations.
“Because we had an organic collaboration with government agencies, we were able to successfully complete the first privately led development project,” said Kim Dong-Hyun, head of Hanwha Aerospace’s Land Systems Division.
Building on Legacy
South Korea introduced its first vertical launch system in 2003, equipping warships to counter North Korea threats.
The unveiling of the KVLS-II now marks the next step in that evolution, with Hanwha and government officials celebrating its completion at a recent ceremony in South Gyeongsang Province.
“We will continue to strengthen our research and design capabilities to contribute to self-reliant defense,” Kim noted.
