South Korea’s 2021-2025 defense blueprint reveals plan for light aircraft carrier and indigenous Iron Dome system

South Korea’s Ministry of Defense has revealed its 2021-2025 mid-term defense blueprint today. The ministry says it will start the process to acquire a light aircraft carrier from next year and to develop an indigenous Iron Dome missile interceptor system.

A graphic handed out by the ministry shows the light aircraft carrier that is similar in shape and size to the U.S. amphibious assault ships. However, it has a longer island and two smoke funnels instead of one. There is no angle deck or catapult system. Confirmation that the ship will be equipped with the F-35B instead.

Seoul also wants an indigenous Iron Dome to enter service after 2025 in order to protect metropolitan areas from rockets and artillery shells fired by North Korea. It will also boost production of the L-SAM missiles and enhance the early warning radar capabilities.

The KF-X fighter is to be ready by 2026 to replace the RoKAF’s F-4 and F-5 fighters. The new fighter being designed by KAI will have indigenous air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons. The country will also start a program to have a AESA radar for the F-15K. This new radar is likely to be develop in South Korea.

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