Sagem of France has announced it has been contracted to provide optronic surveillance masts for the South Korean Navy's new KSS-III submarines.
The award was received from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. following Sagem's selection by a commission comprised of representatives from Daewoo, the South Korean Navy, the Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration and Agency for Defense Development.
"This … contract emphasizes the outstanding collaboration between South Korean industry and Sagem," the French company said. "Sagem's new generation of optronic masts, which do not penetrate the thick hull, feature low-observability and radar stealth.
"In addition to the optronic (electro-optical) sensors from Sagem, they also include a signal intelligence system, and an infrared system for discreet communications."
Sagem said it will supply a system derived from its Series 30 masts, which are in production for Scorpène-class of conventional submarines built by French naval shipyard DCNS and for France's new class of nuclear-powered attack submarines.
The value of the award was not disclosed.
