NEWTOWN, Conn. - South Korean company LIG Nex1 has signed a contract with the Colombian Navy to begin integrating their C-Star (SSM-700K HAE SUNG I) ship-to-ship missiles with the Navy's new combat management systems onboard their FS 1500 frigates. The contract was signed earlier this month and is valued at $5 million.
In 2007, the Navy began a program to modernize and extend the life of their frigates. The first stage of the program covered the platform and sensors while the second stage, which began in 2010, is focused on a strategic weapons upgrade. The ships are now equipped with new TACTICOS combat management systems from Thales.
Under a contract signed in November 2012 between the Colombian MoD, the Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency, and LIG Nex1, the frigates will be armed with 16 ship-to-ship missiles. The C-star missile procurement is valued at $90-$100 million. The missiles are slated for delivery in the second half of 2014.
The Colombian Navy operates four FS 1500 frigates: the Almirante Padilla (FL 51), the Caldas (FL 52), Antioquia (FL 53), and the Independiente (FL 54).
