
The radar system of the Republic of Korea Navy’s Incheon-class frigates (FFG Batch-I), in service since 2013, has just received a significant upgrade.
On Thursday, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced the completion of a radar performance enhancement project for the Incheon-class under its Maximizing the Capability of Existing Assets initiative. The upgrade improves operational performance and survivability by enhancing the cooling system and incorporating high-efficiency components.
Shipborne surveillance radars are essential systems that detect targets and support naval gunfire operations. These radars provide three-dimensional information—such as azimuth, distance, and altitude—transmitting this data to the ship’s command and control systems to ensure effective defense and offensive operations.

Since entering service in 2013, the Incheon-class frigate’s surveillance radar has been facing performance issues due to deteriorating cooling functions and increased maintenance demands for key components.
To address this, DAPA enhanced the radar’s cooling system by adding refrigerant mechanisms and adjusting coolant flow. Additionally, certain components were replaced with newer, high-efficiency, low-heat alternatives, boosting the radar’s reliability and operational stability.
Park Jung Eun, Director of the Base Power Project Support Division at DAPA, stated that the agency will continue to resolve on-site operational challenges through the Maximizing the Capability of Existing Assets program, while further improving the performance and operability of weapon systems.
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