K-VLS (Korean Vertical Launch System)

Overview

South Korea's indigenous cold-launch vertical launch system, developed to reduce dependence on the American Mk 41 VLS and enable integration of Korean-developed missiles. The K-VLS I (first generation) features cells designed for the Hyunmoo-3 cruise missile and K-ASROC anti-submarine rocket, installed on KDX-III Aegis destroyers. The K-VLS II (second generation) is an enlarged and improved system designed for the Jeongjo the Great Batch-II destroyers and KSS-III submarines, accommodating larger missiles including the Hyunmoo-4-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile. Features hot-gas management, shock isolation, and automated loading for rapid missile readiness. The K-VLS represents a critical enabler of South Korea's indigenous missile capability — allowing Korean-designed weapons to be deployed without foreign VLS licensing constraints.

Operators

• South Korea

Related sea Weapon Systems

• JL-3 SLBM - Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (China)
• IAI Gabriel V - missile (Israel)
• Type 071 Yuzhao - amphibious (China)
• Akya - Heavy Torpedo (Turkey)
• Type 075 LHD - amphibious (China)
• Type 076 LHA - amphibious (China)
• Orka Class Submarine - submarine (Netherlands)
• Type 054A - frigate (China)
• Type 056A Jiangdao - corvette (China)
• AN/SPY-1 - Naval Multi-Function Radar (United States)