South Korea will prioritize developing a multi-purpose command ship instead of a previously proposed F-35B-armed light aircraft carrier.
The defense ministry is essentially canceling the Multipurpose Large Transport Ship-II project, transforming it into the Multipurpose Manned and Unmanned Force Command Ship Program.
The Republic of Korea Navy will equip the new ship with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as part of its push to stay up-to-date in a UAV-centric global landscape.
While sharing a similar size, displacement tonnage, and other specifications as the cancelled carrier, the new ship will be equipped with dozens of combat, surveillance and reconnaissance, and self-destruct drones instead of supersonic stealth fighters.
It will also have other manned aircraft, such as landing and attack helicopters.
Seoul is expecting a significant decrease in the project’s budget, which was originally about 7 trillion won ($4.9 billion).
Concept and design research for the new vessel will be handled by HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.
Focusing on Drone Capabilities
South Korea has recently partnered with Hyundai to create a concept design for an AI-equipped unmanned surface vehicle, which will carry drones for reconnaissance and close-range combat missions.
The navy is expecting the ship to be a vital part of the force’s future manned-unmanned fleet.
Seoul also purchased 200 Warmate man-portable kamikaze drones from Poland last year, which cost $52 million.
WB Electronics’ high-explosive drones are suited for engaging bigger targets with precision, allowing them to take down armored vehicles on the battlefield.
