Additional LPX-II infographics and Q&A
Here are the other infographics released by the ROK Navy during the seminar.
Republic of Korea’s aircraft carrier era is about to open!
The public will ask the location of the carrier battle group in times of crisis.
What role will the light aircraft carrier play?
A joint force of navy, air force, and ground forces operating on a single platform.
To counter North Korea’s provocations, and to operate as an offensive joint force in times of war, symbolizing strong military power!
1- Suppresses North Korea’s provocations and, in times of war, operates as an offensive joint force to ensure early victory.
2- Prevent the military activities of potentially threatening countries and protect maritime sovereignty and national interests in times of conflict.
3- Protect citizens from various non-military threats.
4- Support the nation’s foreign policy and contribute to international peace.
The importance of securing a light aircraft carrier
Thumbnail 1: The combined power of escorting combat ships, vertical take-off and landing fighters, and assault helicopters.
Thumbnail 2: Anywhere in the world. When the people need it. Protection of national interests and citizens is possible.
Thumbnail 3: Revitalization of the national economy and shipbuilding industry. Contribution to revitalization of the national economy and shipbuilding industry, and promotion of defense-related exports. More than 2,300 jobs and an economic ripple effect of 4.4 trillion won will be created.
Thumbnail 4: Ability to support national policies with power. Symbol of Korea’s national power and military strength. The Republic of Korea has the world’s 10th largest economy and the world’s 9th largest defense budget (2020).
Light aircraft carrier, what do you care about?
Q: Since when has the light aircraft carrier been promoted?
A: Since the 1996 Presidential Report, the need for a light aircraft carrier has been continuously raised, and in particular, the National Assembly raised the need to secure fighter-carrying vessels to prepare for potential threats, not only from North Korea, through a service study in 2012.
The Joint Chiefs of Staff recognized the need and decided to secure the carrier in December 2020.
Q: Can our defense budget cover the cost of securing and operating a light aircraft carrier and escort force?
A: Most of the escort forces are already in possession and in operation or are already reflected in the mid-term defense plan (not much additional budget is required).
The design of light aircraft carriers will begin next year and will be secured around 2033.
Construction costs will be spread over more than 10 years and can be allocated in the defense budget.
[Q&A continues on other slides not displayed here]
Q:Our military strength is superior to North Korea’s, why would we want to secure a light aircraft carrier?
A: Because a prolonged war would result in enormous loss of life, destruction of land, and economic loss.
It is important to win the war in the shortest possible time with the least amount of damage, because a prolonged war will result in enormous loss of life, destruction of land, and economic loss.
The aircraft launched from the light aircraft carrier will approach the enemy’s rear and hit important targets with precision, dispersing the enemy’s attack and creating an environment where our forces can quickly end the war.
Q: What are the consequences of a maritime conflict with a neighboring country?
Isn’t there a possibility of a maritime conflict with neighboring countries? If it does, will the light aircraft carrier be able to handle it?
A: We must have a national defense capability that can exercise minimum restraint in preparation for possible dangers and threats in the future.
A light aircraft carrier is an effective and efficient force that can play a central role in responding to the expansive naval buildup of a potentially threatening nation.
Q: Isn’t it better to solve problems that occur in distant seas, such as trade routes, through diplomacy and alliances rather than military force?
A: Diplomacy and alliances cannot be relied upon solely for national security, because diplomatic relations are subject to various changes, and even between alliances there are situations where national interests conflict. Diplomacy and alliances must also be backed by force.
As a country that is absolutely dependent on imports of crude oil, raw materials, and food, we must have the ability to protect our sea routes for the sake of our national economy and people’s livelihood.
Q: There are claims that the Korean peninsula itself is an unsinkable aircraft carrier, but do we really need a light aircraft carrier?
A: A ground-based air base can be damaged by a large-scale missile attack by North Korea, and its normal operation may be limited in the early stages of the war.
The fighter jets aboard a light aircraft carrier, which is a moving maritime air base, can survive enemy missile attacks and operate effectively.
Q: Aren’t vertical take-off and landing aircraft on light aircraft carriers limited in range and armament-carrying capacity?
A: Although the range and armament capacity of carrier-based aircraft are somewhat more limited than those of ground-launched fighters, they can be rearmed and re-fueled at sea, which means less preparation time for sorties and more frequent and distant operations.
It can also carry out missions with light aircraft carriers in the field when our national interests need to be protected in distant seas where ground-launched fighters cannot go.
Q: Why do we need a light aircraft carrier to protect Dokdo (Ed. note:Liancourt Rocks) when F-15Ks and F-35As can fly sorties to operate there?
A: F-15Ks and F-35As that take off from a ground base can only operate in the field for a limited amount of time after arriving over Dokdo, and can be re-fueled by aerial refueling aircraft, but rearming is limited.
Carrier-launched fighters can be re-fueled and rearmed on the carrier at the site of the conflict, allowing for faster and more frequent mission execution.
Q: Isn’t it necessary to have a 70,000 ton class or larger medium to large aircraft carrier because a 30,000 ton class carrier is limited in its aircraft carrying capacity?
A: The size of an operational carrier should be determined in consideration of economic strength, technological capability, and operational evaluation.
The U.K., France, Italy, and other countries are operating medium and small aircraft carriers in consideration of their national power levels.
The U.S. is also developing a plan to secure six additional light aircraft carriers in consideration of its mission. *Navy Force Structure and Shipbuilding Plans (CRS Report, Oct. 2020)
Q: Wouldn’t it be more effective to strengthen asymmetric forces such as submarines and missiles rather than high-priced light aircraft carriers?
A: While it is important for national security to prepare for specific threats with asymmetric forces, it is preferable to build an all-round security capability to prepare for a variety of threats.
A light aircraft carrier is a joint force that can not only restrain and respond to North Korea, but can also carry out various missions such as checking neighboring countries, protecting maritime interests and citizens, and can exert a strong restraining force through a show of force.
Securing a light aircraft carrier:
For solid security that no one can overlook
It is the mission of an era for the nation and its people
A strong national defense and a peaceful future for the Republic of Korea.
