Navy to secure manned-unmanned fleet by early 2040s to counter N.K. threats

The South Korean Navy announced plans to acquire a manned-unmanned aircraft carrier and nuclear submarines by the early 2040s to counter threats from North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. During an annual parliamentary audit, the Navy outlined its efforts to enhance modern warfare capabilities through artificial intelligence and drone technologies.

The Navy submitted a proposal to the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) battle group, with a final decision expected by year-end. The unmanned carrier system, expected to enter service by the early 2040s, will be 270 meters long, 70 meters wide, and displace over 30,000 tons, larger than the Navy's largest current warship.

It will accommodate over 20 unmanned systems, including naval combat drones, reconnaissance and suicide UAVs, and swarm-attack and mine warfare UUVs. The Navy also reaffirmed plans to build next-generation destroyers, intelligence collection ships, ship-to-surface ballistic missiles, long-range loitering munitions, and SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors by the early to mid-2030s.

The Jang Bogo N program for nuclear attack submarines will proceed with the lead vessel's launch in the mid-2030s and deployment by the late 2030s. The military aims to construct at least three 8,000-ton submarines within the timeframe. In a separate move, the Air Force plans to relocate its T-50 trainer and TA-50 light attack jets to two other regional bases, dispersing operations to three different regions.