The Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy’s transition toward a MUM-T fleet is becoming increasingly defined, with shipbuilders and aerospace firms unveiling platforms and systems to support future unmanned naval operations via a drone carrier project.
A seminar on the construction of a manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) aircraft carrier for the Republic of Korea Navy and the development of unmanned maritime capabilities was recently held at the National Assembly, hosted by People’s Power Party representative Yong-won Yoo.
The main topic of the seminar was the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy’s future MUM-T fleet, based on a report submitted by the Navy. According to the plan, the Navy intends to establish a MUM-T Battle Group centered around a new concept of a drone aircraft carrier capable of operating both manned and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and supporting amphibious assault operations.
The plan includes upgrading the two existing amphibious assault ships, ROKS Dokdo and ROKS Marado, to enable UAV takeoff and landing as well as MUM-T command capabilities. Additionally, the Navy aims to design and construct a new 30,000-ton-class (light load) drone carrier over the next 11 years, with the goal of bringing it into operational service in the late 2030s.
As part of the Navy Sea GHOST initiative, which addresses manpower shortages due to population decline, the ROK Navy has shown increasing interest in unmanned systems. Notably, last year, General Atomics’ Mojave STOL UAV successfully conducted a take-off demonstration from ROKS Dokdo, drawing attention to the possibility of repurposing existing amphibious assault ships into drone carriers.
Currently, ROKS Dokdo is undergoing a performance improvement program (PIP) at HJ Shipbuilding & Construction, which began this month. Following the Mojave UAV demonstration, inquiries were made to relevant agencies regarding whether the ongoing PIP included plans to expand the flight deck or upgrade systems to support stable UAV landings. At the time, the response was that such upgrades were not part of the current PIP. However, with plans for UAV operations on the two existing amphibious assault ships now taking shape, additional performance upgrades and modifications are expected to follow.
Earlier this year, following reports that the Republic of Korea Navy’s long-standing CVX program would be replaced by a drone carrier initiative, companies such as Hanwha Ocean and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries unveiled their respective MUM-T carrier concepts at MADEX 2025.
During the event, Hanwha Ocean presented its MUM-T command ship concept, Ghost Commander II, featuring an approximate length of 240 meters, a beam of 60 meters, and a displacement of 42,000 tons, characteristics that align closely with the drone carrier envisioned by the ROK Navy.
HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, meanwhile, showcased a 15,000-ton drone carrier, while also revealing that it is internally developing a 32,000-ton class design, which is expected to attract significant public attention once officially unveiled. The competition between the two firms is reminiscent of the design rivalry seen during the earlier CVX program.
In support of this new naval direction, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) announced during a recent seminar that it had begun developing a jet-powered UCAV designed specifically for carrier operations. This UCAV is based on a design previously proposed to the Air Force and incorporates internal and external weapon bays as well as modular mission systems. It is configured to carry advanced sensors including AESA radar, IRST, and EOTS, and features stealth design, a strengthened landing gear, and arresting hook to support recovery aboard drone carriers. Additionally, KAI is considering a maritime patrol/ISR variant of the new carrier-based UCAV.
KAI’s newly announced carrier-based UCAV features a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) of approximately 6 tons, making it significantly larger than the previously unveiled KUS-LW. Designed for advanced multi-role operations, the UCAV will be equipped with a variety of sensors and mission systems, enabling it to conduct coordinated operations with adaptable aerial plaform (AAP) as well as execute long-range air-to-air combat missions. To support such engagements, the aircraft is planned to carry MBDA’s Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM).
In parallel, Korea’s carrier-based drones continue to expand. As showcased on Hanwha Ocean’s Ghost Commander II, a range of jet-powered drones, including Korean Air’s low-observable loyal wingman-type KUS-LW and the under-development KUS-X, are being considered for deployment. Earlier this year, Korean Air rolled out a flying prototype of the KUS-LW, with company representatives noting that development for enhanced engine thrust is to be done to enable safe operations from drone carriers. Additionally, Hanwha Aerospace signed joint development and production of Greyeagle STOL UAS in collaboration with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems.
To enable the effective deployment of a wide range of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the South Korean government is actively pursuing research and development of a 20-ton-class Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), which would facilitate the launch of heavier UCAVs and support the Navy’s broader MUM-T operational concept.
