South Korea develops infrared search track equipment for warships

South Korea has developed an infrared search and track (IRST) system with indigenous technology to improve reconnaissance capabilities of its naval warships, the state arms procurement agency said Tuesday. Samsung Thales Co. and the state-funded Agency for Defense Development began its development of IRST in 2006 with a 19 billion won (US$17.7 million) budget, with the goal of deploying the censor system to its frigates by 2017, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said. South Korea is only the third nation to independently develop the naval censor system, following France and the Netherlands, the agency said. The system detects low-flying targets that emit infrared radiation, including antiship missiles, and sends high-definition visual images to warships. Its high-speed camera provides a 360-degree view on the target with greater sensitivity, it said. "As the system has a competitive edge in the overseas reconnaissance censor market dominated by France and the Netherlands, it is expected to produce over 100 billion won in economic benefits by replacing imported goods," said Lee Jong-ryeol, DAPA official in charge of the technology development.