South Korea has completed development of its next-generation Korean Vertical Launching System II (KVLS-II), marking a significant step forward in the Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROKN) modernization and indigenous weapons integration strategy. Designed to accommodate a wide range of missile types—including long-range surface-to-air missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles—the KVLS-II is set to become a core component of future Korean naval platforms such as the KDDX destroyer and CVX light aircraft carrier.
From Concept to Completion: Timeline and Development Milestones
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) officially announced on September 26, 2025, that development of the KVLS-II system had concluded successfully. The program began in earnest in 2017 under the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), with Hanwha Ocean (formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering) serving as the primary integrator and LIG Nex1 responsible for key electronics and fire control components.
Over an eight-year period, the program progressed through conceptual design, subsystem prototyping, full-scale engineering validation, and environmental qualification testing. The final round of trials included live-fire tests with representative inert missiles to validate canister ejection dynamics, thermal shielding performance under rapid salvos, and electronic interface compatibility with shipboard combat systems.
The completion of KVLS-II development paves the way for low-rate initial production (LRIP), expected to begin in 2026. Full-rate production is anticipated by 2028 to align with construction timelines for next-generation ROKN vessels such as the KDDX destroyers.
Technical Features: What Sets KVLS-II Apart
The KVLS-II represents a major evolution over its predecessor—the original Korean Vertical Launching System (KVLS)—which currently equips Sejong Daewang-class destroyers and Dosan Ahn Changho-class submarines. While the first-generation KVLS supports munitions like the Hyunmoo-3C land attack cruise missile and Cheongung SAMs, it lacks modularity and scalability for future threats.
Key enhancements in KVLS-II include:
- Modular Canister Design: Allows accommodation of various missile types including surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), anti-submarine rockets (ASROCs), land attack cruise missiles (LACMs), and potentially hypersonic glide vehicles under development.
- Thermal Management: Improved heat shielding materials enable rapid sequential launches without compromising adjacent cells—a critical requirement for saturation defense scenarios.
- C4I Integration: Native compatibility with ROKN’s next-gen combat management systems including those developed by Hanwha Systems; supports Link-16/Link-K tactical data links.
- Larger Cell Dimensions: Compared to MK41 VLS or Sylver A70 equivalents—enabling integration of larger-diameter or longer-range indigenous munitions such as SLBMs or extended-range Hyunmoo variants.
Platform Integration Roadmap: KDDX and Beyond
The primary beneficiaries of the KVLS-II will be South Korea’s upcoming warship classes. Chief among them is the KDDX destroyer program—a stealthy 6,000–8,000-ton class platform designed around reduced radar cross-section features and indigenous sensors. Each KDDX hull is expected to carry up to 48–64 VLS cells split between forward/aft decks using a combination of KVLS-IIs optimized for different munition types.
The CVX light aircraft carrier project—currently in concept refinement stage—may also feature a limited number of VLS cells amidships or on sponsons for point-defense interceptors or area-defense SAMs. Additionally:
- KSS-III Batch II Submarines: While primarily equipped with horizontal launch tubes for SLBMs like Hyunmoo-4-4 variants, certain subs may integrate vertical tubes derived from KVLS designs adapted for submerged launch profiles.
- LST/LPD Upgrades: Amphibious ships may receive short-segmented versions of KVLS-II tailored for quad-packed short-range interceptors or UAV-launched payloads.
Missile Compatibility: Expanding South Korea’s Naval Arsenal
The modularity of KVLS-II opens up new possibilities across South Korea’s expanding missile portfolio. Confirmed or likely compatible systems include:
- L-SAM-N: Navalized version of long-range surface-to-air interceptor developed by LIG Nex1; intended as upper-tier defense against ballistic threats at altitudes up to ~50 km.
- Cheonryong II / Hyunmoo Variants: Extended-range land attack cruise missiles capable of striking targets at distances exceeding 1,000 km; potential dual-use roles against surface targets.
- K-ASROC II: Next-gen anti-submarine rocket designed for deep-water engagements beyond current torpedo range envelopes; includes mid-course guidance updates via shipboard sonar networks.
- K-SLBM / Hyunmoo-4-4N: Submarine-launched ballistic missile adapted for naval platforms; may be tested from surface VLS tubes before deployment on SSBNs or SSGNs.
A Strategic Enabler Amid Regional Tensions
The deployment of KVLS-II-equipped warships will significantly enhance ROKN’s ability to conduct layered air defense, strategic strike missions, and sea control operations across contested waters such as the Yellow Sea and East Sea (Sea of Japan). This comes at a time when North Korea continues testing new SLBMs and hypersonic glide vehicles while China expands its blue-water navy footprint near Korean EEZ boundaries.
The indigenous nature of both launcher system and compatible munitions also reduces Seoul’s dependence on U.S.-controlled export regimes like ITAR—a key consideration amid growing calls within South Korea’s National Assembly for greater defense autonomy. Furthermore, it positions South Korean firms competitively in global arms markets where demand is rising for non-Western alternatives that offer high-end capability without political strings attached.
Next Steps: Production Ramp-Up & Export Potential
DAPA has signaled readiness to transition into production phase by late 2026 following final design freeze reviews scheduled early next year. Initial production lots are expected to support two lead ships under KDDX Phase I procurement contracts awarded earlier this year to Hanwha Ocean. Parallel discussions are underway regarding export variants tailored toward regional partners such as Indonesia or UAE who have expressed interest in modular VLS systems compatible with mixed-origin fleets.
If successful in field deployments over the next decade—especially when paired with indigenous sensors like AESA radars from Hanwha Systems—the KVLS-II could emerge not only as a domestic capability cornerstone but also as a viable export product rivaling Western systems like MK41 or Sylver families in flexibility and cost-effectiveness.
