South Korean Armed Forces begins to work on light aircraft carrier

To improve its defense capability, the South Korean Armed Forces agreed to begin the project to acquire a light aircraft carrier.

On 30 December, the details for the LPX-II light aircraft carrier were finalized and the appropriate budget was officially reflected in the Mid-Term Defense Plan 2020-2024.

South Korea has allocated 100 million won for research on the light aircraft carrier project out of the 52.8 trillion won defense budget for next year.

LPX-II will prioritize the service of aircraft over the amphibious operation and will not have a deck well. It won't have ski-jump as well, because it's going to have two islands. The F-35B Lightning II will be the main aircraft, and its sensor and weapon suite will be all indigenous.

In terms of international partners, the government and corporations of the US & UK are said to be involved. As part of the F-35B purchase, the U.S. will pass technology for a strengthened deck, while the UK has given technical and doctrinal advice.

Maritime Business World