Military Technology 06/2021

technically challenging than IRON DOME [Israel’s celebrated air defence programme]. As a result, the programme may have greater similarity to the US Miniature Hit-to-Kill (MHTK) system, based on the AIM-9 air-to-air missile.” Meanwhile, as neighbouring China and Japan develop their power pro- jection capabilities, Korea’s MTDP has programmes to expand both naval and air power. Kim told MilTech that acquiring an expeditionary capability “will enable Korea to further contribute to regional and global security order; by supporting more active overseas military operations with its allies and partners.” Naval Capability Enhancement The Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) will transition from a Naval Air Wing to an Air Command by 2022, and move from the existing Mobile Task Flotilla to a Mobile Fleet Command by 2025. The Air Command will pro- vide a more balanced force structure alongside Submarine Command – set up in 2015 – to better use the existing 16 P-3 ORION maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), helicopters and the new P-8A POSEIDONMPA. Meanwhile, Mobile Fleet Command represents the RoKN’s ambition for ocean-going status. Equipped with the most modern surface combatants, it will in- clude three coastal fleets to protect against aggression and to lead expe- ditionary operations. Part of the RoKN’s expansion plans include the procurement of a new 30,000t light aircraft carrier (LPX-II), instead of the amphibious vessel originally planned, keeping pace with China’s LIAONING-class carrier and Japan’s IZUMO-class. Kim observed an aircraft carrier is affordable under current plans, but it will need fighters – perhaps 20 F-35Bs – and ocean-going surface escorts with fleet air defence capabilities. “Without them, LPX-II will be highly vulnerable to adversary’s maritime threats, and its potential strategic value can be hardly utilized.” The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) is already taking delivery of 40 F-35As, and is expected to buy a further 20. Kim believes any F-35Bs pro- cured will be managed by the RoKAF and only dispatched to the RoKN during carrier deployments. To bolster surface fleet numbers, the MTDP has called for the construc- tion of three more SEJONG the GREAT-class (KDX-III) AEGIS destroyers, doubling the size of the class, with the new vessels expected to have bal- listic missile defence capabilities. Furthermore, a new programme for six KDDX destroyers will be delivered from 2026 to become the backbone of the RoKN fleet. An additional 10,000t SOYANG-class replenishment ship will support carrier and destroyer fleet operations. The Republic of Korea’s new Mid-Term Defence Plan (MTDP) 2021- 2025 proffers a pronounced change in direction for the military. While it continues the upward trend in defence spending that has been ongoing for some years, there is a new focus on modernisa- tion, improving the flexibility of the three services to respond in future conflicts, and increasing the indigenous manufacturing capability for complex weapons. Under the MTDP, Seoul seeks to significant enhance its capabilities for self-defence on the peninsula, procure more platforms for expeditionary operations and put the military on the right track to introduce new equip- ment and technology. With spending totalling KW300.7 trillion ( € 226 bil- lion) – an increase of 6.5% - a third of this amount, about KW100.1 trillion, will be devoted to Force Improvement Programmes (FIP) that are for pro- curing new platforms, systems and equipment. Increasing Self-Reliance For self-defence, the plan is to increase intelligence, long-range pre- cision strike and missile defence capabilities to defend against North Korea’s weapons of mass destruction (WMD). According to independent researcher Professor Kim Jae Yeop, the Korean government needs to “achieve self-reliant deterrence” against Pyongyang, as this is a “crucial” part of the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON) from the US, as currently planned by the liberal government in Seoul. This is a significant move. Since the early stages of the Korean War in July 1950, wartime OPCON authority over the Korean armed forces has been exercised by the Commander of US Forces in Korea (an American four-star general), exercising authority as a combined commander over both Korean and US forces. This guarantees a strong defence commit- ment from the US. Kim told MilTech that the transition of OPCON to Korea will mean a Korean four-star general will become the combined commander, within a new allied command structure. He said this represents the self-reliance of Korea’s military capabilities – to deter and defeat threats from Pyongyang – and also enhances Korea’s ability to take the initiative during a crisis, fulfilling a long-held ambition by the Korean Democratic Party to restore national sovereignty by having OPCON of its own forces once more. Multiple Equipment Programmes In terms of equipment, a Long-range SAM (L-SAM) air defence mis- sile will be developed to enhance ballistic missile defence (BMD) along- side PATRIOT and KM-SAM. The MTDP also includes plans to develop a counter-rocket, artillery and mortar (C-RAM) system, to protect Seoul from Pyongyang’s long range artillery threats. “It is known as the ‘Korean version of the IRON DOME programme,” Kim explained. “However, considering Pyongyang‘s massive deployment of advanced long-range artillery forces against Seoul, it will be more Resident in Auckland, New Zealand, Tim Fish regularly reports for MilTech on regional and wider defence issues. Tim Fish South Korea’s Mid-Term Defence Plan Analysis MT 6/2021 · 67 The RoKAF will be procuring four RQ-4 GLOBAL HAWK unmanned aerial systems for better monitoring of the DMZ and other frontline areas. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)