It's a go for a multi-billion dollar plan.... to build new state-of-the-art destroyers and submarines,... equipped with missiles that can take out incoming ballistic missiles mid-flight.<br />Kim Ji-yeon reports. <br />Seoul's defense ministry has approved plans to build next-generation Aegis-equipped destroyers and upgraded submarines... that'll be able to intercept ballistic missiles.<br />South Korea's Defense Project Promotion Committee approved plans Tuesday to inject around 3-point-3-billion U.S. dollars to construct a second batch of three destroyers called Gwanggaeto the Great the third by 2028.<br />They'll be equipped with SM-3 missiles... designed to shoot down hostile missiles at altitudes of around 150 kilometers in the "mid-course" phase.<br />DAPA also approved plans to build a next-generation submarine, the Jangbogo the third... equipped with Hyunmoo-2B missiles that has a target range of more than 500 kilometers.<br />The plan also calls for building three 3-thousand-450-ton submarines that'll be equipped with ballistic missile launchers... and powered by lithium batteries... which would raise the speed of the submarines and double their operational duration in the water.<br />DAPA says contracts for all these projects... which are to be produced locally ...are scheduled to take place during the first half of this year.<br />The projects are aimed at preparing South Korea against conflicts in waters as well as participate in peacekeeping efforts overseas.<br />Kim Ji-yeon, Arirang News. <br />
