Electric propulsion for South Korean destroyer

Leonardo DRS has signed a contract with Doosan Enerbility to provide the electric propulsion system for the Republic of Korea Navy's KDDX destroyer programme, the company announced on 17 September 2026. Hanwha Ocean is building the lead ship.

DRS describes KDDX as South Korea's first indigenously designed and built destroyer programme, with at least six ships planned. The class will introduce the navy's first full-electric-drive surface combatants.

The company will supply an integrated electric power and propulsion solution featuring its 100-Series permanent magnet propulsion motors and matched variable-frequency drives. According to the company, the motors offer