Leonardo DRS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DRS) has entered into a contract with Doosan Enerbility to supply an electric propulsion system for the Republic of Korea Navy's KDDX next-generation guided-missile destroyer program, according to a company statement dated Sept. 17, 2026.

The lead ship of the KDDX program is being built by Hanwha Ocean. The program is expected to deliver at least six destroyers and represents South Korea's first indigenously designed and built destroyer program.

Under the contract, Leonardo DRS will supply its 100-Series permanent magnet propulsion motors paired with variable-frequency drives. Doosan Enerbility and Leonardo DRS will collaborate on an integrated power and propulsion system covering electrical and mechanical equipment from the prime movers to the propellers.

The KDDX program is described as introducing the Republic of Korea Navy's first full-electric-drive surface combatants. Leonardo DRS previously supplied hybrid electric drive systems for 20 anti-submarine warfare frigates across the FFX Batch II, III, and IV frigate programs for the same navy.

"DRS is proud to support the Republic of Korea Navy's KDDX destroyer program with proven electric propulsion technology," said Jon Miller, senior vice president and general manager of Naval Power Systems at Leonardo DRS. "For more than a decade our systems have supported Republic of Korea Navy FFX II/III/IV frigates, and we have demonstrated the ability to scale our electric-propulsion technology for the most demanding naval applications, including the Columbia-class submarine program."

The company states its permanent magnet motor technology is designed to provide high torque density in a compact architecture. The system is built to meet military requirements for power quality, shock, and vibration, as well as Republic of Korea Navy operational requirements.