World Navies

Aerospace, Defence & Security

Korea, South - Navy

Date Posted: 28-Feb-2017

Publication: Jane's World Navies

Contents
Summary | Corvettes | Executive summary | Key developments | Deployments, tasks, and operations |
Role and deployment | Recent and current operations | Counter-piracy operations | Cheonan sinking |
NLL disputes | Dokdo/Takeshima islands dispute | Command and control  | Organisation |
Navy headquarters | Naval aviation order of battle | Operational art and tactical doctrine | Bases |
Naval Aviation Bases | Personnel | Training | Military exercises | Exercise 'Silent Shark' |
Exercises near the NLL | RoK-US exercises | Other notable exercises |
Core assets and procurement initiatives | Submarines | KSS-1 | KSS-2 | KSS-3 | KSS-500A |
Swimmer delivery vehicle | Rescue subs | Destroyers | KDX-3 | KDX-2X | Frigates | FFX |
Patrol forces | PKG-A | PKG-B | Amphibious forces | LPH | LST-2 | Hovercraft |
Mine warfare forces | Yang Yang class | Won San class | Diver detection systems | Auxiliaries |
Combat support ship | Training ship | Trials support ship | Fleet replenishment ship |
ATS-II salvage-and-rescue vessels | Submarine rescue ship | Naval aviation | Lynx Mk 99 |
AW159 Wildcat | S-3 Viking | P-3CK Orion | Maritime surveillance aircraft | Missiles |
SM-2 Block IIIB | K-SAAM | Anti-submarine rocket | Harpoon | Phalanx | SLBM | Marine corps |
Armour | Anti-tank | Marine corps aviation | Equipment in service | Submarines | Surface fleet |
Auxiliaries | Naval aviation | Marines |

Summary

Strength Regular personnel : 41,000

Marine corps : 27,000

Conscripts : 19,000

Submarines - Attack 4 KSS-2-class

9 Chang Bogo-class

Destroyers 3 KDX-1-class

6 KDX-2-class

3 KDX-3-class

Frigates 7 Ulsan-class

6 FFX-I-class

Corvettes 16 Po Hang-class

4 Dong Hae-class
 Patrol ships 69 Sea Dolphin-class

17 Gumdoksuri-class

Mine warfare vessels 6 Swallow-class

1 Won San-class

3 Yang Yang-class

Amphibious warfare ships 1 Dokdo-class Landing platform helicopter

1 HHI Landing ship- tank

4 Alligator-class Landing ship-tank

10 LCM 8-class Landing craft - mechanised

2 HHI Landing craft-utility

3 Tsaplya-class Landing craft air cushion

2 LSF-II-class Landing craft air cushion

Maritime aircraft -fixed wing 16 P-3 Orion

5 F406 Caravan II

Maritime aircraft - rotary wing 22 Super Lynx

8 AW159

Executive summary
The modern, highly regarded Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) is rapidly acquiring advanced blue water, precision
strike, amphibious, and ballistic missile defence (BMD) capabilities through acquisition of several classes of new
surface warships and submarines in a determined effort to safeguard South Korea's growing maritime political
and economic interests in the region and in distant operating areas such as the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean.
Concurrently, the RoKN is reinvigorating the coastal forces required to effectively counter North Korean
asymmetric threats in the extensive littoral areas of the peninsula as formally mandated in the government's 2011
'Defence Reform Plan 307' ('DRP 307').

Since 2013, the navy has been introducing Incheon-class (FFX) frigates into service to replace the Ulsan and Po
Hang classes. Plans call for the delivery of up to 20 hulls in three progressively improved batches by 2028.
Currently, three FFX Batch 1 hulls have been commissioned, three more Batch 1s are in build, and eight Batch 2s
are on order or are in the pipeline. Six Batch 3s are also planned, with design studies under way.

The 33 m and 37 m Chamsuri-class patrol boats are being replaced by an 18-strong fleet of 63 m PKX-A missile
boats, and by 16 48-50 m PKX-B Batch 1 and eighteen PKX-B Batch 2 patrol boats. To date, 17 PKX-As are in
service, while the PKX-B Batch 1 programme is under way.

Meanwhile, a new submarine command established in 2015 highlights the navy's growing submarine capability,
built about nine Chang Bogo (Type 209/1200)-class and seven advanced KSS-2 boats. There will eventually be
nine KSS-2s in service, to be followed from 2020 by up to nine 3,000-tonne KSS-3 submarines.

The submarine force is primarily intended to counter North Korea's large fleet of much less capable Soviet-era
submarines, including the looming threat of an indigenously produced surface-to-surface ballistic missile (SSBM)
submarine. Another important role is as a long-range precision strike cruise missile platform, able to target all of
North Korea. Plans also call for a modernised midget submarine force to replace Dolphin-class (Dolgorae) and
Cosmos-class craft with larger, more operationally flexible KSS-500As.

In addition to submarines, the RoKN operates three new KDX-3 Aegis-equipped destroyers, which play a pivotal
role by defending against the North Korean ballistic missile threat. The Aegis combat system can detect and track
any flying objects within 1,000 km, can simultaneously track up to 900 targets within 500 km, and can intercept
any target within 170 km. It currently constitutes South Korea's sole active BMD system, but the RoKN is
committed to bolstering this capability by the end of this decade. To achieve that goal, the navy plans to procure
three additional KDX-3s later this decade and six KDX-2A destroyers fitted with advanced air defence systems.

Meanwhile, South Korea is taking delivery of a powerful new class of frigates. The first three of six Incheon-class
on order at a cost of USD1.8 billion entered service in 2015, with three more building, for what is projected to be a
class of more than 20 frigates. At 2,300 tonnes, the Incheons have advanced stealth features, make heavy use of
indigenously developed and produced combat systems, and embark a multi-purpose maritime helicopter.

A key coastal forces initiative is the Patrol Killer (PKG) missile boat programme, with 17 in service and building
towards a projected force of around 50 vessels.

Amphibious capability was greatly enhanced by the July 2007 commissioning of the LPH Dokdo . Capable of
carrying 700 marines, 10 helicopters, two high-speed air-cushioned landing craft, and 10 main battle tanks (MBTs),
the Dokdo  is able to undertake an array of tasks, including disaster response, international peacekeeping, and SOF
support. A second LPH is planned for later this decade, to be followed by a third in the 2020s. Four new landing
ship tank (LST) vessels are now entering service.

The introduction into service of the Dokdo  defines a requirement for additional assault helicopters to augment the
nine RoKN UH-60s now supporting the RoKMC and RoKN SOF. Therefore, the ROKMC is preparing to field its first
organic aviation unit by 2017, which will eventually have more than 40 marinised KUH-1 Surion tactical helicopters.
There is growing interest in a force of marine attack helicopters, most likely a marinised version of the AH-64E
Apaches about to enter service with RoK Army Aviation.

The RoKN has a long experience of operating under combat conditions in the extensive littoral areas surrounding
the Korean peninsula, including defence of disputed islands and waters in the western approaches to the major
port of Inchon. The navy has also been engaged for decades in constant patrolling to defeat aggressive attempts
by North Korea to infiltrate agents and SOF into the south. Both of these missions have required significant ability
to adapt to ever-changing North Korean tactics and technology.

The RoKN is well-structured and equipped to sustain lengthy deployments and/or regional combat operations,
being amply supplied with modern underway replenishment vessels, and supported by one of the largest, newest,
and most capable merchant marine fleets in the world. Most of the naval reserve personnel are marines, who
constitute a significant force multiplier in terms of skills and experience gained while serving on active duty,
before gaining employment in the merchant marine and South Korea's advanced commercial sector.

Key developments
Like all branches of South Korea's armed forces, the RoKN has historically maintained a constant state of high
alert to react to any emerging North Korean threat with increasing levels since 2010. The navy has also
demonstrated the ability to deploy relatively rapidly for international missions and training exercises.

The sinking of the RoKN corvette Cheonan in the West Coast littoral by a torpedo launched from a small North
Korean submarine on 25 March 2010 shook the navy, which was confident that its established littoral capabilities
and decades of combat experience were sufficient to protect national maritime approaches from attacks by North
Korean coastal forces, minelayers, and submarines. Another pervasive maritime threat since the Korean War is
incursions by North Korean Special Operations Forces (SOF) inserted by small craft and midget submarines.
After the Cheonan attack, which killed 46 sailors, the then South Korean president, Lee Myung-bak, announced a
military-wide review of RoK defence posture. One result was the 73-point DRP 307, which details ambitious plans
to restructure military command-and-control (C2) and bolster fighting capabilities across all three services,
including the RoKN and the RoK Marine Corps (RoKMC). Part of this plan specified the creation of a new
Northwest Islands Defence Command, headed by the RoKMC, for the protection of South Korea's islands in the
Yellow Sea (West Sea) off the coast of North Korea. Other elements of the plan addressed additional anti-
submarine capability, mine countermeasures (MCM), and sonar systems.

The 2012 Defence White Paper continued to highlight the defence and maintenance of RoK territorial claims,
particularly in relation to the ongoing dispute with Japan over the Dokdo/Takeshima islands: "Our military stands
fully prepared to firmly defend our territory, territorial waters, and airspace in the East, West, and South Seas,
including the five northwestern islands as well as Mara Island, Ulleung Island, Dokdo, and other such islands." The
paper also noted: "The military has established a readiness posture and determination to strongly defend Dokdo in
particular, which is geographically, historically, and by international law clearly Korean territory."

Deployments, tasks, and operations

Role and deployment
The RoKN is deployed and ready at all times to protect the maritime approaches to the RoK from attacks by North
Korean coastal forces, minelayers, and submarines and from the constant threat of incursions by special forces
landing from small craft and midget submarines. Offensively, the RoKN is prepared to support the land forces with
amphibious operations to conduct anti-submarine warfare (ASW), land precision strikes, and special operations.

The RoKMC provides a powerful amphibious strike force and a strong defensive force for the maritime
approaches to Seoul, the vital port of Inchon, and the five islands in the Yellow Sea (West Sea) off the coast of
North Korea. Between 2007 and 2010, the marines deployed additional 100 mm naval guns on the islands as well
as more K9 self-propelled howitzers and ground-to-air missiles on Paengnyong and Yeonpyeong islands, but these
reinforcements did not deter North Korea from shelling Yeonpyeong in November 2010. In light of the attack, the
RoKN established a new Northwest Islands Defence Command in 2011 for the West Sea border islands,
commanded by an RoKMC lieutenant general.

Naval aviation operates a mix of land-based maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) and shipborne multi-purpose
helicopters from several bases in the south, providing coverage of both coasts of the Korean peninsula.

Recent and current operations

Counter-piracy operations
The 18th Cheonghae unit sailed in late January 2015 to join Combined Task Force (CTF) 151 in waters off Somalia
for six months. The unit is built around the KDX-II class destroyer Kang Gam-chan , with more than 300 personnel
embarked, including a maritime inspection team composed of RoKN SOF, a Lynx helicopter, and an RoKMC force
protection team.

CTF 151 is one of the three task forces operated by Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) based in the Persian Gulf.
CTF 151's mission is to disrupt piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Indian Ocean and to engage with regional
and other partners to build capacity and improve capabilities in order to protect global maritime commerce and
secure freedom of navigation. In June 2014 RoKN Rear Admiral Cho Young Joo assumed the command of CTF
151 for six months, the third time a South Korean flag officer has commanded the task force since the RoK joined
the operation in 2009.

In February 2014 the RoKN and the Ukrainian Navy held their first combined anti-piracy drills in waters off Somalia.
A vessel from each navy participated in a series of exercises that included underwater demolition, search-and-
seizure drills, live-fire proficiency, and aviation activities. The vessels involved are believed to be the RoKN's KDX-
2-class guided missile destroyer Gang Gam Chan  and Ukraine's Krivak III (Nerey)-class missile frigate Hetman
Sagaidachny  (ex-Kirov). Both vessels are contributing to the international counter-piracy campaign in the Horn of
Africa region. Alongside the exercises, the two ships' commanding officers were reported to have held
discussions on further counter-piracy collaboration and on wider bilateral military cooperation.

Serving with CTF 151 has afforded the RoKN excellent opportunities to work closely with many other navies,
including those of Canada, France, Greece, India, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, Turkey, the United States, and the
United Kingdom.

Cheonan sinking
On 26 March 2010, the Cheonan  - a 1,200-tonne Po Hang-class corvette - exploded and sank off Baengnyeong
Island near the disputed so-called Northern Limit Line (NLL). Forty-six of the vessel's 104-man crew were killed,
despite several days of a frantic rescue operation that involved 16 naval vessels, three coastguard vessels, and
more than a dozen US and South Korean military divers, one of whom died during the rescue effort.

In May 2010 an international investigation team - including experts from Australia, South Korea, Sweden, the
United Kingdom, and the United States - concluded that a North Korean CHT-02D torpedo with an explosive
warhead of 250 kg sank the South Korean corvette. The conclusion followed an investigation of the wreckage and
the discovery of what is considered the most critical piece of evidence against Pyongyang: a torpedo propeller
found on the site that matched a North Korean torpedo recovered by the RoKN seven years ago. A detailed report
seen by Jane's  concluded that the torpedo was fired by a small North Korean submarine that had left its base two
to three days prior to the sinking, accompanied by a mother ship. "There is no other plausible explanation," said
Yoon Duk-yong, co-head of the investigation.

In mid-September 2010 the final joint report of the international investigation team argued that a torpedo attack
led by North Korea was the only possible explanation behind the sinking of the Cheonan .

The 305-page report ruled out any other possibility - such as a sea mine - to explain the disaster. "The weapon
system used was a CHT-02D torpedo with about 250 kg of explosives manufactured by North Korea", concluded
the investigation.

Based on the shape of the fracture and the testimonies of the surviving crew members, a team of 73 investigators
confirmed that the ship broke into two, following a bubble jet effect triggered by an acoustic-guided torpedo. "The
detonation location was 3 m to the port from the centre of the gas turbine room and at a depth of 6-9 m," it said.

Critically, the investigation team stated that it was "impossible" that a sea mine could be responsible for the
tragedy, contrary to what has been argued by Russian experts. "The rapid current speed, tidal difference, and depth
of 47 m poses difficulties for effective mine operation," said the report.

North Korea has denied the allegations and some military experts remain cautious, with a former RoKN submarine
captain telling Jane's  that North Korean submarines have never been seen before in the shallow waters off
Baengnyeong Island.

NLL disputes
The NLL demarcates the maritime border with North Korea in the Yellow Sea (West Sea). Having been drawn by a
US general at the end of the Korean War in 1953, the legitimacy of the NLL is challenged by Pyongyang. The area
has been the source of repeated naval clashes since 1999 and was also the location of the sinking of the
Cheonan .

Recent reported incidents include the 20 May 2014 firing of warning shots by the RoKN at three North Korean
vessels that had crossed the maritime border. According to South Korean officials, this was followed by North
Korean shelling close to an RoKN corvette along the disputed maritime border. The RoKN vessel suffered no
damage and responded by firing five rounds at a North Korean military vessel in the vicinity.
Following US president Barack Obama's visit to South Korea in April 2014, North Korea conducted live-fire drills
near the NLL. Fifty artillery rounds were fired, though none were reported to have crossed the disputed border.
South Korea's defence ministry had stated that they had been notified by the North prior to the drills. These drills
came within one month of the two countries exchanging artillery fire along the western sea border.

On 31 March 2014, North Korea fired around 500 live artillery shells during live-fire drills, 100 of which landed
roughly 3.6 km into South Korean waters in the West Sea, crossing the NLL. South Korean forces responded by
firing 300 rounds from 155 mm K-9 self-propelled howitzers into the Yellow (East China) Sea.

Recurring incidents along the NLL were highlighted by an event on 30 September 2012, when RoKN patrol boats
fired warning shots at six North Korean fishing boats that crossed the disputed Yellow Sea border. None of the
North Korean vessels were hit and they swiftly returned to their side of the western sea boundary afterwards. The
incident followed a series of similar violations by North Korean fishing vessels in the same area, though this was
the first time in two years that South Korean forces opened fire.

On 23 November 2010, North Korea fired more than 200 artillery shells at the South Korean island of Yeonpyeong,
killing two marines, two civilians, and injuring more than 15 others. The RoKMC, armed with K9 self-propelled
howitzers and surface-to-air missiles (SAM), returned fire; no North Korean casualty figures were released.
Yeonpyeong is very close to the NLL; it is roughly 80 km west of the South Korean coastal city of Inchon, but only
12 km off the North Korean coast.

On 10 November 2009 the RoKN engaged in a naval skirmish near the NLL with the North Korean Navy. According
to Seoul's account, an RoKN patrol vessel fired four warning shots at a North Korean vessel that was crossing the
NLL. The North Korean vessel opened fire and left 15 holes in the hull of the RoKN unit. This triggered an
immediate reaction from the RoKN, who fired around 200 shots at the North Korean vessel, which left the battle in
flames. The exchange of fire lasted less than two minutes, killing at least one North Korean sailor. This
engagement occurred after the RoKN was provided new rules of engagement that allow units to fire at North
Korean vessels without consulting political authorities in Seoul beforehand.

Previously, in June 1999 the South Korean Navy sank a North Korean torpedo boat and five patrol boats after they
crossed the NLL in the first battle between conventional forces since the 1953 armistice. In June 2002 a North
Korean patrol boat sank a Chamsuri-class (Sea Dolphin/Wildcat) fast-attack craft in the same area, killing six
South Korean sailors.

Dokdo/Takeshima islands dispute

Also known as the Liancourt Rocks dispute, the Dokdo/Takeshima islands are a group of small islets in the Sea of
Japan claimed by South Korea and Japan. In addition, North Korea has also claimed sovereignty of the islands.
The Liancourt Rocks have been administered by South Korea since 1954 via its coastguard, but there are
conflicting interpretations with regard to the historical sovereignty over the islets. The RoK claims stem from a
reference to a Korean island called Usan-do, whereas Japan believes that South Korea's various references to
Usan-do are mistaken and in fact refer at different times to Jukdo, its neighboring island Ulleungdo, or a non-
existent island between Ulleungdo and Korea.

In August 2012, tensions over the islands reignited when Lee Myung-Bak, visited the Liancourt Rocks, making him
the first South Korean president to do so. In response, Japan temporarily withdrew its ambassadors to South
Korea, and the South Korean ambassador to Japan was summoned to file a complaint. Japan has since officially
proposed to the RoK that the two countries refer the dispute to the International Court of Justice, but South Korea
has rejected this position.

Command and control 

Chief of Naval Operations:  Admiral Jung Ho-sub
 Vice Chief of Naval Operations:  Vice Admiral Lee Beom-rim

Chief, Navy Operations Command:  Vice Admiral Lee Byung-kwon

Commandant of the RoK Marine Corps:  Lieutenant General Lee Sang-hoon

Commander, Submarine Command  Rear Admiral Youn Jeong-sang

The chief of naval operations (CNO) is a member of the joint chiefs of staff (JCS). Beneath the CNO is a Vice CNO
(VCNO) and the fleet commander. The commandant of the marine corps reports to the VCNO.

According to the Ministry of National Defence (MND), the core of the reform plan announced in March 2011 was
to reorganise the military command structure to form a "combined military" with the JCS as commander. To
achieve this, the operational commands of the navy, army, and air force will be merged, although the MND said:
"Each of the three armed services will command the unified operations units".

In March 2015 the

Organisation
In 1996 the RoKN was reorganised into a Fleet Command and three operational fleets. In February 2015 the navy
added an independent submarine command.

Fleet Command and Naval Operations Centre:  Located aboard the main naval base at Jinhae, near Busan
in southern-most South Korea.
Submarine Command:  Headquartered in the southern port city of Jinhae.
First Fleet:  Headquartered at Donghae and deployed on the East Coast.
Second Fleet:  Headquartered inland at Pyeongtaek and operates on the West Coast - including the critical
port of Inchon and the northwest islands off North Korea.
Third Fleet:  Headquartered at Mokpo and is deployed along the southern coast.

Each fleet contains a combat flotilla with destroyers, corvettes, and patrol boats; a logistics and support squadron;
and a training unit. Most of the RoKN's major fleet units, including destroyers and amphibious ships are
homeported in the south, from where they are routinely attached to subordinate fleets or deployed on operations
as directed by Fleet Command.

Additional units comprise:

Component Flotilla Five:  Includes Mine Warfare Squadron 52, Amphibious Squadron 53, and Salvage and
Rescue Squadron 55.
Mobile Task Force Seven (MTF 7):  Includes Maritime Task Squadron 71, a naval special warfare brigade, a
Ship Salvage Unit, a training squadron, and Air Wing 6.

MTF 7 was stood up in Busan on 1 February 2010 and consists of two destroyer squadrons. Each squadron has a
KDX-3 destroyer and three KDX-2 destroyers augmented by amphibious platforms, aircraft, submarines, and
support ships. In July 2011, MTF 7 and its KDX-2 destroyers acquitted themselves well in Exercise 'Invincible Spirit'
- the largest US Navy (USN)-RoKN exercise staged to date.

MTF 7 is notable in that it is the nucleus for the future strategic mobile fleet (SMF). According to the RoKN, the
SMF is being created to respond promptly to security challenges in and around the Korean peninsula. The SMF's
primary responsibilities will be the protection of sea lines of communication (SLOCs), conflict de-escalation,
response to provocative actions by North Korea, suppression of military action by threatening states, and support
of foreign policy objectives.

The SMF will have squadrons composed of: KDX-3, KDX-2, and KDX-2A destroyers; FFX frigates; new submarines
fitted with air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems; amphibious transport docks; ASW aircraft; and auxiliaries.
These squadrons will enable the RoKN to conduct independent as well as joint naval operations with its allies. An
eco-friendly naval base is being built on Jeju Island and will serve as the homeport of the SMF. Until then, the
destroyer squadrons will remain based at Pusan and Chinhae.

The RoKMC was designated an independent service in November 1987. With headquarters at Hwaseong, the
ROKMC is organised into the 1st and 2nd divisions, the independent 6th Brigade (infantry), and a number of
support and specialised island defence units. The 1st Division is based on the eastern seaboard at Pohang, which
also houses the Education & Training Group and the Amphibious Support Group. The 2nd Division is deployed
along the Ganghwa-Gimpo axis in the northwest of the country and is tasked with defending islands near the
western sea border. About 5,000 troops are reportedly based on the five frontline islands in the West Sea and from
June 2011 the RoKMC began to lead a new Northwest Islands Defence Command to protect the islands near the
NLL.

A Naval Special Warfare Brigade is the maritime component of the joint Special Warfare Command and provides
capabilities similar to US Navy (USN) SEALs and works closely with the US Special Operations Force (SOF).

The rank and grade structure of the RoKN largely corresponds with that of the USN, on which it is modelled.

The United States announced in February 1998 that it would be putting its Seventh Fleet under the operational
control of the US-RoK Combined Forces Command (CFC) in wartime.

Navy headquarters
The RoKN headquarters present policies and military power requirements. The headquarters are also responsible
for overseeing all the affairs of the naval administration including recruiting, organising, training, equipping,
supplying, mobilising, and supporting operations.

Office of Deputy CNO (DCNO) for Policy, Plan, and Comptroller:  Presents policies and military power
requirements, establishes mid- to long-term plans, executes and manages investments and expenditures, and
conducts test and analysis evaluation. It is also responsible for planning and managing the navy's budget and
accounting.

Office of DCNO for Personnel:  Manages naval personnel and their performance. It is also responsible for
administrative management, naval events, and activities.

Office of DCNO Intelligence and Operations:  Maintains and disseminates intelligence and operation status. Its
tasks include operations support, organisation, military security, mobilisation, reserves operations, management
of information of the navy and combatants, and international information exchanges.

Office of DCNO for Logistics:  Establishes and executes logistics support plans, presents and supplies logistics
requirements, and conducts general logistics tasks related to supply, maintenance, transportation, and
environment.

Office of DCNO for Command, Control, Communication, Computers, and Intelligence:  Establishes plans and
develops system of information, conducts communication and computerisation tasks, and manages and presents
the requirements for information system.

Troop Information and Public Affairs Office:  Assists the CNO with tasks regarding troop information and public
affairs.

Office of Inspector General:  Assists the CNO with inspecting tasks including inspection, security, special orders,
and audits as well as responding to petitions.

Office of Judge Advocate General:  Operates military courts and military prosecutor's offices. Establishes and
revises military criminal policies and laws, provides legal advice and legal interpretations, manages regulations,
researches maritime laws and international laws, and deals with all legal matters including lawsuits, reparations,
administrative judgment, punishment, and review of contracts and treaties.

Office of ACNO Marine Affairs:  Assists the CNO with matters related to the marine corps.

Office of Chief of Chaplains:  Executes religious activities, character building, guidance, and religion-related tasks.

Office of Provost Marshal General:  Acts as military police whose tasks include supervising military discipline,
preventing and investigating criminal cases, and guarding important figures.

Education and Training Bureau:  Conducts naval institution education, naval forces education, commission
education, and training.

Facilities Engineering Bureau:  Constructs and repairs military installations, manages military property and
equipment on land, and supports construction at war.

Naval aviation order of battle

Unit  Base  Type  Role 

6 Air Wing  Pohang     

61 Air Group  Pohang     

611 Squadron Pohang F406 Maritime patrol/utility

613 Squadron Pohang P-3C/CK Maritime patrol

615 Squadron Jeju P-3C/CK Maritime patrol

615 Squadron Jeju Lynx1 Search and rescue

62 Air Group       

621 Squadron Mokpo Alouette III Utility/search and rescue

623 Squadron Pohang UH-60P Utility

623 Squadron Pohang UH-1H Utility

627 Squadron Jinhae Lynx Mk 992 Multirole

629 Squadron Jinhae Lynx Mk 99A2 Multirole

Training Unit (Possibly 625 Squadron) Pohang JetRanger Training

Training Unit (Possibly 625 Squadron) Pohang UH-1H Training/utility

1. One Lynx lost in a fatal crash in April 2010. All were temporarily grounded as a result of another crash
soon after.

2. Detachments aboard each KDX destroyer operate two Lynx in anti-surface, anti-submarine, and utility
roles. A Lynx crashed in April 2010, but was recovered. However, all were temporarily grounded as a
result of another Lynx crash soon after.
Operational art and tactical doctrine
Operational art and doctrine are based mainly upon US naval and amphibious doctrine, but the RoKN is developing
distinctively Korean doctrine based on identified global requirements and increasing independence

Following the 2010 attacks by Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) forces, the RoKN is revising some
operational and procurement plans for coastal defence readiness against a possible invasion by North Korea. In
September 2010 the CNO said that new strategies and tactics - such as operating two-ship search-and-attack
units in the West Sea - would be adopted.

Bases
Name Latitude Longitude Notes

Chinhae 35.141247 128.633938

Donghae 37.501066 129.134438

Inchon 37.462274 126.61493

Mokpo 34.769474 126.386142

Mukho 37.541747 129.114735

Busan 35.11961 129.067855

Jeju Naval base 33.227762 126.485156

Pyongtaek 36.992725 126.811009

The RoKN commissioned a new naval base on the island of Jeju on 26 February 2016. Jeju Island lies about 100
km south of the Korean Peninsula, with the naval base situated on the southern coast of the island facing the East
China Sea, allowing for faster response times to incidents in waters east and west of the peninsula. The RoKN
probably intends to station at least one of its Aegis-equipped KDX-3 guided-missile destroyers on the base, which
will serve as homeport of the strategic mobile fleet (SMF) being created to respond quickly to security challenges
around the Korean peninsula. Assets in the SMF will include KDX-3 and KDX-2-class guided-missile destroyers,
frigates, submarines, and amphibious transport ships. The base cost KRW800 billion (USD714 million)

In September 2015, the RoKN deployed the KDX-3 destroyer Sejong Daewang  to the base to test port and pier
facilities. Images of the naval base's commissioning show another KDX-3-class destroyer, Seong-Ryong , berthed
alongside. Other vessels present during the ceremony include the Dokdo  amphibious assault ship and the KDX-2-
class guided-missile destroyer Wang Geon . A new 500-man marine corps brigade is responsible for defending the
island.

Plans to build a naval base on Jeju Island have existed since the 1990s, but it was not until the mid-2000s that
they came to fruition. Then South Korean president Roh Moo-hyun's decision in 2007 to approve the construction
of Jeju naval base triggered fierce opposition from local residents and environmental activists, who claimed the
base will damage the environment and harm efforts to promote eco-tourism.

Although Seoul has repeatedly cited threats from Pyongyang as a major reason for the Jeju naval base, proximity
to China may also be a factor, especially so since Beijing shows no sign of softening claims over disputed
maritime territory in the East China Sea known as Socotra Rock.
In October 2016, Yonhap news agency quoted military officials as saying that South Korea is planning to deploy a
Marine Corps unit to its eastern island of Ulleungdo, where the troops will be stationed from 2018 as part of the
country's effort to bolster its defences near an inter-Korean sea border. Representatives of the RoKMC said in a
parliamentary briefing that the unit will be the size of a company or battalion, and that it will begin constructing
training facilities and barracks next year. The troops will be stationed on a rotational basis, with no unit being
specifically created for the island, the media report added. Analysts say that the planned deployment will enable
South Korea to form a U-shaped coastal defence system linking the group of islands near the inter-Korean border
in the Yellow Sea (West Sea) and the southern island of Jeju to Ulleungdo. Given the relative proximity of
Ulleungdo to the disputed Dokdo/Takeshima islands, the latest announcement may also be intended as a
message to South Korea's neighbours. Also known as the Liancourt Rocks, Dokdo/Takeshima are a group of small
islets in the Sea of Japan (East Sea) claimed by South Korea and Japan. In addition, North Korea has also claimed
sovereignty of the islands.

Naval Aviation Bases

Name Latitude Longitude Notes

Jeju 33.525971 126.53925

Pohang 35.987759 129.420253

Personnel
Military service is compulsory for all Korean males. There are 17,000 naval and marine conscripts. Naval
conscripts serve for 26 months and it is 24 months for the marines. Officers are usually graduates of the service
academies and are required to serve for 10 years.

The RoKN has lower percentage of conscripts than the army, but given the increasingly complex ships, aircraft,
and other systems in the inventory, obtaining and retaining sufficient numbers of qualified enlisted personnel is a
growing problem, which may be reduced somewhat in the near-term as the global economic downturn reduces
opportunities in the private sector. South Korea benefits from a long maritime tradition and a superb education
system that tends to deliver quality sailors of all ranks.

Training
In 1997 the Defence Education and Training Regulations were revised and considerable resources have been
devoted to developing an efficient military education and training system.

Naval officer cadets undergo a four-year officer training course at the RoK Naval Academy at Chinhae, which
opened its doors to female cadets in 1999. College graduates aged 20-27 years old can opt to become officers
through the Officer Candidate School (OCS) and the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps programme.
Candidates enlist in the OCS after completion of a 14-week basic training course. Every year, the RoKN undertakes
a round-the-world training cruise for naval academy cadets.

Recruits aged between 18 and 27 years old with high school or higher education can also enlist into a Non-
Commissioned Officer (NCO)/Petty Officer School after completing the 14 weeks of basic military training, which
is also conducted at Chinhae. Trade and professional courses last between 4 and 25 weeks. Enlisted personnel
serve for 26 months (24 months for marines) and are then transferred to the reserves.

The Naval War and Staff College is at Daejeon.

The principal training areas are in the vicinity of main naval bases at Chinhae and Daejeon.
Deep-sea submarine training is conducted off Hawaii and Guam under the terms of an agreement with the United
States.

Military exercises
Exercise 'Silent Shark'
The RoKN and the USN conducted a five-day bilateral anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise dubbed 'Silent Shark'
in June 2015 in the Philippine Sea close to Guam that included surface, subsurface, and airborne assets. The
exercise has been held biennially since 2011.

The 2015 iteration comprised an unnamed diesel-electric submarine (SSK) from the RoKN, as well as a USN Los
Angeles-class nuclear attack submarine (SSN) and the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh .
Airborne assets included a RoKN Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion and a USN P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol and
reconnaissance aircraft. Highlights of 'Silent Shark 2015' included the subsurface tracking and simulated "quick
reaction" engagements between submarines.

'Silent Shark' also enabled the RoKN to gain a deeper insight on the detection and emissions profile of the latest P-
8A aircraft, which first deployed to the region in late-2013. South Korea is known to be exploring options to
supplement its 16 Lockheed Martin P-3C/CK Orion platforms with 20 new maritime patrol aircraft, with the P-8A a
potential candidate, should a formal bid emerge.

Anti-submarine capability have taken on increased significance for South Korea following loss of the corvette
RoKS Chon An to a North Korean submarine attack on 26 March 2010. Official reports indicate that the weapon
was a 533 mm (21 inches) CHT-02D torpedo, likely launched by a Sang-O coastal submarine or Yono-class midget
submarine.

Exercises near the NLL

The November 2010 North Korean artillery attack against the island of Yeonpyeong appears to have been in
response to military exercises taking place in contested waters near the NLL. At the time of the shelling, South
Korea was carrying out live-fire exercises in waters off Bangnyeong and Yeonpyeong islands as part of its annual
nine-day 'Hoguk' exercise against North Korean provocations. The 2011 iteration of the exercise involved several
drills conducted along the newly formed Northwest Islands Defense Command to defend the NLL. It was reported
that the navy fleet planned to mobilise 10 warships, including destroyers and corvettes, and P-3CK early warning
planes in order to improve maritime combat capabilities. However, no further details were available about their
participation.

Following the attack, the United States and South Korea undertook a four-day major naval exercise in the West
Sea, beginning on 28 November 2010. The exercise involved 7,300 personnel and 11 ships led by Nimitz-class
aircraft carrier USS George Washington  and other elements from Task Force 70, the forward deployed carrier
strike group assigned to USN's Seventh Fleet. Planning for the exercise was undertaken in July 2010 but it was not
scheduled; the bombardment prompted the United States to deploy the carrier.

Marking the first anniversary of the North Korean shelling of the Yeonpyeong Island, the South Korean military
staged a major joint forces exercise near the sea border on 23 November 2011, simulating a response to a
possible future attack and maintain an effective defence posture against the DPRK. The exercise began with the
Yeonpyeong Marine Unit firing its K-9 self-propelled howitzers and other artillery. As part of the exercise, the navy
also used a destroyer with guided missiles and anti-ship weapons.

In an effort to demonstrate resolve against future provocations from North Korea, the marine corps held live-fire
artillery exercises in May 2011 at Baekyong and Yeonpyeong islands. The drill was understood to have included K9
self-propelled howitzers, Vulcan cannons, and 81 mm mortars. South Korea is also believed to have 100 mm
towed artillery pieces and locally developed 130 mm short-range unguided multiple rocket launcher systems
deployed on the islands. Notably, the drill involved 16 US troops, including US marines as well as intelligence,
artillery, public affairs, and exercise planners. The US personnel were publicly on display on the islands, probably
intended to discourage any North Korean attempt at retaliation.

RoK-US exercises
Regular bilateral exercises with the USN in Korean waters is quite common, which involves the full spectrum of
maritime operations.
'RIMPAC'
By far the most important exercise for the RoKN is the annual US-led 'Rim of the Pacific' ('RIMPAC') multinational
series in Hawaiian waters. Intended to increase interoperability, operational proficiency, and readiness, the
participating forces conducted a variety of different exercises including: visit, board, search-and-seizure; counter-
piracy; search-and-rescue (SAR); communication drills; ship manoeuvres; divisional tactics; and liason officer
exchanges.

On the sidelines of the 2016 iteration of 'RIMPAC' in June, South Korea joined the United States and Japan in a
joint anti-missile naval exercise. This marked the first time South Korea joined the US-Japan missile defence drill,
which reportedly involved an Aegis warship from each country to simulate detecting, tracking, and shooting down
ballistic missiles. The South Korean Aegis vessel in the exercise did not perform the interception phase as it is not
equipped with Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) interceptors.

'Cobra Gold'
The RoKN takes part in the annual 'Cobra Gold' exercises with the United States and Association of Southeast
Asian Nations (ASEAN) partners. The latest iteration of the exercise was held in February 2016.

'Foal Eagle'
The United States and South Korea hold annual military exercises named 'Foal Eagle' under the auspices of the
CFC. The latest iteration from 7 March to 30 April 2016,was the largest drill since 2010 and the Army, Navy, Air
Force and Marines participated in the exercise, with the naval portion of Foal Eagle taking place in international
waters around South Korea, featuring a full spectrum of maritime operations. The training incorporated scenarios
such as gunnery exercises, communication drills, dynamic ship maneuvers, logistical rehearsals, salvage training
and liaison officer exchanges between the US and RoK Navy.

Joint exercise
The RoKN and the US Navy conducted a joint exercise on 26 September 2016 near the North Korean border in the
East Sea to demonstrate anti-submarine warfare and precision strike capabilities: the latest in a series of displays
of military might by Washington and Seoul following Pyongyang's fifth nuclear test on 9 September. The US
Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111) joined RoKN Aegis destroyers, submarines,
anti-submarine helicopters, and US and RoKN P-3 patrol aircraft in the operation, which "highlighted the unified
naval force capabilities in defence of the Republic of Korea and region from surface, subsurface, and ballistic
missile threats", according to a US Forces Korea (USFK) press release.

Invincible Spirit
In October 2016, the US Navy and the RoKN undertook a six-day long exercise designed to "strengthen maritime
interoperability and tactics, techniques and procedures," according to US Naval Forces Korea. The naval drills,
conducted amid growing military threats from North Korea, are viewed as both a gesture of reassurance to Seoul
and a warning to Pyongyang. The US Navy deployed the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan , the
flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, and six other vessels to the waters around South Korea to take part in the
exercise, which began on the same day that North Korea marked the 71st anniversary of the founding of the ruling
Workers' Party. As well as USS Ronald Reagan , which is based in the Japanese port of Yokosuka, the US
contingent includes Ticonderoga-class Aegis missile cruisers along with Lockheed P-3 Orion and Boeing P-8
Poseidon anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft, Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopters and McDonnell
Douglas F/A-18C Hornet fighter aircraft. About 40 RoKN vessels reportedly took part in the drill, including some
equipped with the advanced Aegis radar system. The RoKN said in a statement that the exercise was "aimed at
showing the allied forces' strong commitment to counter relentless provocations by the North and improve their
maritime interoperability". This US-South Korean exercise began a month after North Korea conducted its fifth and
largest nuclear test: a clear indication of the country's progress towards developing a miniaturised nuclear
warhead for its ballistic missiles.

Other notable exercises

In May 2012 the RoKN conducted its inaugural bilateral exercise, called 'Haedori-Wallaby', with the Royal
Australian Navy (RAN). As part of the exercise, RAN's Anzac-class (MEKO 200) frigate HMAS Ballarat  and RoKN's
KDX 3 destroyer ROKS Sejong Daewang  conducted tactical manoeuvres in waters northeast of Jeju Island.
RoKN's P-3C Orion MPA and a Lynx Mk 99 helicopter also took part.

Additionally, RoKN participates in joint SAR exercise with China and Japan.

In May 2016, RoKN participated in the largest multilateral counter-terrorism maritime exercises to date, along with
navies from Brunei, Singapore, and Thailand. As part of the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting (ADMM)-Plus
maritime security and counterterrorism exercise the navies showed off the ability to conduct a co-ordinated ship-
storming operation on a simulated hijacked vessel in the international waters of the South China Sea. Some 3,500
personnel, 18 naval vessels, 25 aircraft, and 40 special forces teams from the 18 countries participated in the
exercise, which involved other naval drills such as search and seizure operations and flight deck familiarisations.

In October 2016, the navies of South Korea, Japan, and the United States conducted a joint naval exercise as part
of efforts to counter growing North Korean threats, Yonhap news agency quoted military officials as saying. The
three navies participated in a search-and-rescue exercise (SAREX) and a maritime interdiction operation (MIO) on
22-23 October in the high seas off the southern coast of South Korea's Jeju Island.

Core assets and procurement initiatives

South Korea will continue the steady pace of naval procurement under way since the 1990s, paid for with
increases in defence spending since 2014 that are driven by increasing concerns over North Korean belligerence,
by territorial disputes with Japan, and in reaction to Chinese naval activity in the region. The share of spending for
the navy and air force continues to grow in relation to the army as military priorities shift to ever more advanced
long-range precision strike capabilities.

Overall, RoKN requirements are formidable in terms of their regional and global scope, total capability, and high
cost. The official long-term objective is to build a blue water navy capable of responding to distant threats and
crises affecting the national security and economic well-being of South Korea, while maintaining naval superiority
in Korean waters. This translates into a balanced fleet with overlapping capabilities, including BMD; precision land
attack; anti-air, anti-surface, and ASW competence; amphibious forces; SOF; and peacekeeping and humanitarian
capacity. These in turn translate into procurement priorities - advanced destroyers, submarines, littoral combat
forces, amphibious/SOF support ships, helicopters, and MPA.

Submarines
The RoKN has embarked on an ambitious three-phase programme to upgrade the submarine force:

Phase 1:  Modernise nine older (Type 209/1200) KSS-I Chang Bogo submarines.
Phase 2:  Build and commission nine advanced (Type 214) KSS-2 submarines by 2017, and at least nine
larger, more capable KSS-3 boats beginning in 2020, thereafter retiring the Type 209s.
Phase 3:  Replace the existing KSS-1 Dolgorae-class midget submarine force with Cosmos-class midgets
and a new KSS-500A class.

KSS-1
In December 2011 Sagem was awarded a contract to provide Sigma 40XP inertial navigation units to the nine
existing (Type 209/1200) KSS-1 Chang Bogo-class submarines, pending a successful retrofit on a trial vessel. The
Sigma 40XP (eXtended Performance) inertial system is the high-end variant of the Sigma 40, designed for surface
vessels.

Additional considerations have been made with regard to mid-life upgrades for all nine subsurface boats via
installation of AIP propulsion and sub-harpoon SSM fitted in stretched hulls. The programme assumes major refits
for six to nine boats and its schedule is speculative at this time, completing around 2017-21 at a cost of around
USD100-125 million each.

KSS-2
The RoKN's seventh KSS-2 (Type 214) diesel-electric air-independent propulsion submarine was launched by
Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) on 5 April 2016. The 1,800-tonne Hong Beom-do  is the fifth KSS 2-class
submarine manufactured by HHI, which delivered the first, second and third boats of the class between 2007 and
2009, and the fourth in July 2014. The shipyard is currently working on the ninth KSS-2 submarine. Another South
Korean company, Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) is responsible for three KSS-2 boats. It
launched the eighth KSS_2 submarine in November 2016.

The KSS 2-class has an overall length of 65 m, an overall beam of 6.3 m and a hull draught of 6 m. The platform is
powered by two MTU diesel engines and Siemens polymer electrolytic membrane fuel cells that allows it to remain
submerged for up to two weeks at a time. The submarine can carry a crew of 40, reach depths of up to 400 m and
has a maximum speed underwater of 20 knots and 12 knots when surfaced. Each platform is equipped with bow-
mounted, flank and towed-array sonar systems. They can launching naval mines and have eight 533 mm tubes to
deploy weapons such as the Baek Sang Eo (White Shark) anti-surface warfare/anti-submarine warfare
(ASuW/ASW) heavyweight torpedo, Harpoon anti-ship missiles and land attack cruise missiles (LACM).

Hong Beom-do is scheduled for delivery by July 2017, with all nine KSS-2 submarines due in service by 2019.

KSS-3
The larger KSS-3 submarines will provide greater range, endurance, and firepower than boats currently in service.
In late 2012, DSME was contracted to build an initial two KSS-3s, with the first boat due for delivery at the end of
2020, and the second unit to follow in late 2022. Up to nine are planned. Designs anticipate a 3,000-tonne boat
equipped with AIP.

The first boat of the class was launched by DSME in May 2016 and the steel cutting ceremony for the second boat
held on 1 July 2016.

According to specifications provided by DSME, the indigenously developed platform features an overall length of
about 83.5 m, an overall breadth of 7.7 m, and a height of 14.7 m. The KSS-III can attain a maximum speed of
about 20 kt, a cruising range of 10,000 n miles, and can accommodate a crew of 50.

The platform's suite of sensors include the Series 30 non-hull penetrating optronic search mast system from
Sagem that can accommodate up to four electro-optical (EO) payloads and electronic warfare and global
positioning system (GPS) antennas. The submarine will feature with six-cell vertical launching system (VLS) that
can deploy the Cheon Ryong land-attack cruise missile that has a range of up to 1,500 km

KSS-500A
Plans are in development with RoK's Agency for Defence Development (ADD) for a new midget submarine
concept, dubbed the KSS-500A. It is envisioned as the long-term successor to the Dolgorae  and Cosmos  mini-
subs with greater diving depth, speed, and carrying capacity.

According to a model and accompanying data released at the Marine Week 2011 exhibition in Busan in early
November 2011, the 37 m boat has a beam of 4.5 m, surface displacement of 510 tonnes, and maximum diving
depth of 250 m. Although the boat can be operated by a crew of five, the design complement is 10 persons using a
two-watch system. Up to 14 SOF personnel can also be embarked. Notably, there are no on-board electrical
generators; all electrical power is provided instead by two banks of lithium-ion batteries. While the Dolgarae-class
boats require frequent snorkelling, the KSS-500A is designed to require minimal snorkelling during a typical three-
week patrol.

Armament comprises tubes for two heavy weight torpedoes and four lightweight torpedoes, as well as payload
options for vertical-launch missiles and mines. A multipurpose payload tube is also planned for the sail that could
be used to launch small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The KSS-500A has a planned cruise speed of 5-7 kt,
although a sprint speed of 20 kt is possible. Endurance is set for 21 days. The programme schedule assumes an
order of five by the end of 2015, with first delivery from 2018 through to 2025. Potential manufacturers are DSME
or HHI. Each unit is estimated to cost around USD125-175 million.

Swimmer delivery vehicle

The RoKN began the procurement process for a number of swimmer delivery vehicles (SDVs) in 2013 that will
equip navy SOF. Information provided by builder Vogo depict a number of small manned submersibles, including
the 13 m long SDV 1000W, powered by two electric motors for submerged operations and able to carry 10
personnel. A diesel electric system offers speeds up to 35 kt on the surface. Maximum payload is 1.5 tonnes and
the craft has a breathing system allowing three-hour dives to a depth of 18 m. Range is 150 n miles on the surface
and 25 n miles submerged. The craft incorporates some systems proven in the 7.9 m long SDV 340, five of which
have served with RoKN SOF since 2005. The SDV 340 has a range of 45 n miles at 3.5 kt.

Rescue subs
The RoKN issued a request for proposals (RfPs) in July 2007 for the first deep submergence rescue vehicle and
will eventually pursue a requirement for a larger submarine rescue ship to replace a small vessel in the current
inventory, but this is not yet a priority.

Destroyers
In December 2013 the RoK JCS agreed to obtain three additional new Aegis destroyers by the mid-2020s. The
navy already has three KDX-3 Aegis ships: Sejongdaewang Ham  commissioned in 2008; Yulgok Yi Yi Ham  in 2010;
and Seoae Ryu Seong Ryong Ham  in 2012. The new ships will feature combat systems for ballistic missile
detection and tracking, and will be configured for improved detection of submarines and submerged vehicles.

While too early to predict specific building costs, the project will likely cost around KRW4 trillion. The National
Assembly Defense Committee had previously approved the required budget line for Aegis detailed design
research, emphasising the necessity for additional ships.

In June 2015 the US Department of State approved the sale of additional Aegis combat systems and associated
shipborne components to South Korea under a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) case. The approval covers three sets of
Aegis shipboard combat systems, Mk 41 vertical launching systems (VLS), data link management systems, and
the AN/UPX-29(V) identification friend or foe interrogator, and an AN/SPY-1D(V) multifunction radar system, all
destined for the RoKN's second batch of KDX-3 guided-missile destroyers. The overall sale is estimated to be
worth USD1.9 billion.

KDX-3
Batch I
The KDX-3 is the largest and most capable vessel yet in the RoKN KDX destroyer programmes and features the
Aegis Weapon System (AWS). The Aegis system includes Lockheed Martin's SPY-1 radar, the navy's most
advanced multifunction radar system. When paired with the MK 41 vertical launching system, it is capable of
delivering missiles for every mission and threat environment in naval warfare. The 10,290-tonne vessels are based
on the Gibbs and Cox DDG 51/Arleigh Burke design built for the USN.
DDG 991, Sejong the Great , RoKN's first of three Aegis-equipped KDX-3 destroyers, was built and tested at HHI in
Ulsan and commissioned in Pusan in November 2008. The second ship of the class, Yulgok YiI , was
commissioned in August 2010 and successfully completed combat system ship qualification trials in July 2012.
The third unit, Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong , was delivered in August 2012 and commenced operations in 2013. KDX-3
weapon systems include SM-2 fleet air defence missiles, RAM short-range anti-air missiles, close-in weapon
systems (CIWS), Haesung (Sea Star) long-range anti-ship cruise missiles, Hongsangeo (Red Shark) long-range
anti-submarine torpedoes, and Chungsangeo (Blue Shark) light torpedoes. Each vessel is manned by 300 crew
members and also carries two anti-submarine helicopters.
Batch II
South Korea had originally sought to build only three KDX-3 destroyers under a plan to reform defence capacity by
2020. However, North Korea's provocations as well as disputes with neighbouring countries over territorial waters
prompted a doubling of the KDX-3 fleet to create an integrated network of two or more Aegis-equipped destroyers
in the Yellow Sea to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east. This will enable South Korea to intercept North
Korean long-range missiles, ballistic missiles, and military aircraft more effectively than with only three vessels. In
late 2013 an order for a second batch of three KDX-3s was confirmed by the navy and approved by the
government. Construction is estimated to commence around 2017, with ships entering service around 2023-27.

In June 2016, DAPA signed an agreement with HHI to commence development of a next-generation destroyer for
the RoKN. DAPA said in a statement that the programme is worth KRW18.1 billion (USD15.3 million) and
constitutes the second batch of Sejong Daewang (KDX-3)-class guided-missile destroyers. According to DAPA, the
development project will be conducted through to 2018 and will feature a "technical and engineering analysis" with
a view to "greatly enhancing" the KDX-3's main components, systems and subsystems. 

In June 2015 the US Department of State approved a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of additional Aegis combat
systems and associated shipborne components to South Korea for the next three KDX-3 destroyers. The approval
covers three sets of Aegis shipboard combat systems, Mk 41 vertical launching systems (VLS), data link
management systems, AN/UPX-29(V) identification friend or foe interrogators, and AN/SPY-1D(V) multifunction
radar systems. The overall sale is estimated to be worth USD1.9 billion.

KDX-2X
Navy plans announced in 2009 call for six improved KDX-2 derivatives with advanced systems and weapons
based on a standard displacement of around 5,600 tonnes, with delivery in the first half of the next decade.
Development of the KDX-2A started in 2010 and continues. Construction will be shared between DSME and HHI,
with deliveries between 2019 and 2026. The contract value has been estimated based on the preceding
programme and assumes a unit cost around USD700 million.

The KDX-2X will likely be equipped with the highly advanced SPY-1D Aegis radars. These devices are capable of
simultaneously tracking incoming ballistic missiles and as many as 900 aircraft within a 500 km radius.

Frigates
FFX
South Korea's STX Offshore and Shipbuilding delivered the sixth Incheon-class Future Frigate Experimental (FFX-I)
guided-missile frigate in early 2016. RoKS Gwangju  is the third Incheon-class ship built by STX, following
Gangwon  and Chungbuk , launched in August and October 2014 respectively. The first three ships-in-class were
built by Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Incheon-class frigates are fitted with a 127 mm gun, a six-barrelled Phalanx Block 1B close-in weapon system
(CIWS), hull-mounted and towed array sonar systems and with six (two triple) 324 mm torpedo tubes to launch
indigenously developed K745 Cheong Sangeo (Blue Shark) torpedoes. Powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas
(CODOG) propulsion arrangement, Incheons have a top speed of 30 kt, have a standard range of 4,500 n miles at
13 kt, and can accommodate 140 crew and embark one AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat helicopter. Incheon-class
frigates are replacing Po Hang- and Dong Hae-class corvettes, which have been in service since the 1980s and will
significantly enhance ASW capabilities in Korean waters.

Batch I comprises 6 vessels, Batch II 8 ships, and Batch III the remaining 10.

Batch I
The first Incheon-class (FFX-I) frigate commissioned on 18 January 2013. ROKS Incheon  (FFG-811) completed an
extended work-up and training period before its first operational deployment in mid-2013. The RoKN took delivery
of the second and third vessels of the class (Gyeonggi  and Jeonbuk ) in 2014. Both are expected to enter service
by mid-2015. Korean shipbuilders competitively bid for the contracts to the FFX vessels, with Hyundai, DSME, and
STX having received confirmed deals. HHI was awarded contracts, dating from 2008 to late 2010, for vessels one
through three. STX was awarded a contract for vessels four and five in November 2011, with delivery due by late
2015. The sixth vessel (Gwangju ) was launched by STX in August 2015. ROKS Gwangju  will undergo test
navigation and examinations before being handed over to the Navy for deployment by the end of 2016.
Batch II
In June 2016, DSME launched the first FFX-II vessel, Daegu . The first set of Batch II vessel by Daewoo is expected
to be delivered in late 2017, with the remaining six to be ordered in pairs. There has also been an emphasis on
acoustic quietening, likely with a view towards enhancing ASW capability. They will be fitted with a vertical launch
system for missiles, including the Red Shark ASROC-type stand-off ASW weapon. Finmeccanica subsidiary, DRS
Technologies has been awarded a contract to design and produce a hybrid electric drive (HED) propulsion system
for the second batch of the FFX Incheon-class vessels. According to a statement released by the company, the
USD9 million contract was awarded by Korea's Hyosung Corporation - the company selected by DSME to provide
the HED propulsion system and the ship's main reduction gear.

In December 2016, DAPA awarded ahead of schedule a contract worth KRW700 billion (USD587 million) for two
additional Batch II FFX frigates led by HHI. The two FFX II frigates will be the third and fourth in the series.

Raytheon Missile Systems has also secured a direct export sale for Phalanx Block 1B 20 mm CIWS for FFX Batch
II and the AOE II-class fast combat support ship programme. Deliveries on the USD123 million contract will begin
in 2016, with completion in 2022.

Each 3,650-tonne displacement frigate will feature a twin-shaft combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG)
arrangement using a single gas turbine and two diesels. Rolls-Royce was selected in 2012 to supply the 36--40
MW-rated MT30 for the Batch II programme; the CODAG machinery arrangement in the earlier FFX Batch I vessels
uses two GE LM2500 gas turbines and two MTU 12V 1163 TB83 diesel engines. In September 2014 Rolls-Royce
announced that it had completed factory acceptance tests (FAT) on the first MT30 gas turbine for the RoKN's FFX-
II frigate programme. The engine will now be shipped to South Korea, where HHI will integrate it into the steel
enclosure that also houses the air inlets, exhausts, and ancillary equipment before installation in the ship.
Batch III
In June 2015, DAPA announced plans to invest in the development of FFX-III frigates. In December 2016, DAPA
disclosed that it had signed a KRW16.6 billion (USD13.8 million) contract with HHI to develop the third batch of
FFX III Incheon-class frigates for the RoKN. DAPA said in a statement on 27 December 2016 that under the terms
of the deal HHI would design and develop the frigates with emphasis on enhanced stealth and survivability. The
platform will also be equipped with an improved anti-submarine warfare capability, advanced radars, and air
defence capability. DAPA selected HHI as FFX III developer in June 2016 and the agency said at the time it
expected to sign a contract with the company before the end of 2016.

HHI is expected to design and develop the 3,000-ton FFX III by late 2018. This will be followed by an open tender
to select a ship constructor. HHI is likely to bid for this contract against its traditional rivals including Daewoo
Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) and STX Offshore & Shipbuilding. DAPA said the FFX III construction
programme will be worth about KRW2.8 trillion and will feature six vessels, which will enter RoKN service in the
mid-2020s.

Patrol forces
Under the Patrol Killer Experimental (PKX) programme, the RoKN is attempting the modernisation of its patrol
forces. The PKX consist of two main designs. The larger, missile armed PKG-A of approximately 500 tons and the
smaller gun armed PKG-B of approximately 200 tons.

PKG-A
Gumdoksuri-class:  As of mid-2016 there are 17 Gumdoksuri-class PKG-A missile craft in service with the RoKN.

The 579-tonne, 63 meter Gumdoksuri-class are large patrol craft armed with anti-ship missiles to replace the
1980s-vintage 37 m Chamsuri-class (Sea Dolphin/Wildcat). First-of-class Yoon Young-Ha  was laid down in 2005
at HII in Pusan and was commissioned in December 2008. The second to fifth units were subsequently built by
STX Shipbuilding between 2007 and 2011, with HII building hulls six through nine between 2009 and 2011. STX
delivered the 10th ship in September 2013. The delivery of the 15th vessel occurred in March 2014. Deliveries are
scheduled to continue into 2017 until a first batch of 17 PKG-As is completed.

PKGs have a maximum speed of 41 kt from two General Electric LM 500 gas turbines and two MTU 16V 1163
diesels, and a range of 2,000 n miles at 15 kt. Armament includes Haeseong SSM-700K surface-to-surface
missiles (SSM), a 76 mm gun, and a 40 mm cannon. The sensor package includes Saab's Ceros 200 9LV327 Mk
3E multi-sensor tracker and a Thales MW 08 G-band radar.

Based on previous engagements along the NLL, the PKGs guided missile system, powered by two GE LM500 gas
turbines, provides the ability to strike and destroy targeted vessels at long ranges well outside the range fan of
North Korean systems. Each unit is reported to cost around USD246 million.

PKG-B
South Korea has ordered an initial batch of 16 Patrol Killer Experimental (PKX) fast attack craft, described as a
more compact version of the Gumdoksuri-class fast attack missile craft. Ultimately, a total of 34 hulls are to be
acquired in two batches, according to engine manufacturer General Electric. In October 2016, South Korean
shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction (HHIC) announced that it had signed a KRW199.1 billion
(USD177.10 million) contract with DAPA the country's for three additional 'B' variants of the PKX. These three
boats will supplement the initial batch of 16 PKX-Bs currently under build. The ships are scheduled to be delivered
by 2019.

The programme's first hulls, described as a smaller and more compact version of the PKG-A Gumdoksuri-class
fast attack missile-capable craft, will be constructed by South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries and
Construction (HHIC). In July 2016, HHIC launched the country's first 'B' variant of the Patrol Killer Experimental
(PKX) fast attack craft. Launched on 28 July at HHIC's facilities in Busan, the boat has been given the pennant
number 211.

The PKX-B is powered by General Electric's 6,000 shp LM 500 gas-turbine engines and Caterpillar Marine's Cat C32
diesel engines in a combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) configuration. The vessel is propelled by waterjets
and has a top speed of 40kt.

Besides an aft-mounted, 12-barrelled multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) for 130 mm rockets, the platform has
also been equipped with a 76 mm naval gun and two remote-controlled 12.7 mm machine guns.

South Korean media has reported that the vessel will be commissioned in 2017 and will most probably be
deployed as deterrence against fast-moving North Korean hovercraft operating near the Northern Limit Line.

Amphibious forces
LPH
The RoKN commissioned its first LPH in July 2007 at the Jinhae naval base. It is the largest ship (and class type)
in the RoKN and its name is derived from the disputed Dokdo/Takeshima island.

The ship can embark 10 UH-60 helicopters, seven amphibious assault vehicles, six tanks, and two air-cushion
landing craft operating from a stern dock - together with 700-plus troops. When fitted with a ski jump, Dokdo  has
the potential to operate short take-off and landing aircraft such as the Harrier or F-35B Lightning II. The 199 m
vessel has a maximum speed of 23 kt and is equipped with two Thales Goalkeeper CIWS (which South Korea
bought in 2003 for USD15 million each) and a RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile system.

According to statements by the CNO in October 2010, the next LPH ship (tentatively the Marado ) is due to be built
by 2018. A third vessel may follow as the Bayengnyeong .

LST-2
South Korean shipbuilder HHI begun work on the second LST-2 tank landing ship for the RoKN in September 2015.
A contract for the ship was announced in December 2013 under a deal worth KRW136.4 billion (USD114 million).
Launch is scheduled for mid-2016. In October 2016, HHI launched the third of four planned LST-II tank landing
ships for the RoKN.

The LST-2 class has a standard displacement of 4,950 tonnes and can carry one UH-60 helicopter on its flight
deck. The vessels have a top speed of 18 kt and a standard range of 8,000 n miles at 12 knots and are equipped
with one 40 mm and two 20 mm guns.

The first LST-2, RoKS Cheon wang bong , participated in its first amphibious exercise in June 2015 as part of a task
force led by the landing platform dock Dokdo . Cheon wang bong  was commissioned in November 2014.

Hovercraft
In a statement on 9 February 2017, DAPA announced plans to fast-forward a programme to construct hovercraft
for the RoKN in a bid to support local industry. DAPA said that the project to build two additional high-speed
hovercraft landing ships under the continuing LSF-II - or Kite 631 - programme would be bought forward by one
year to support delivery by 2021. The hovercraft will be constructed by Busan-based HHI under a KRW150 billion
(USD131 million) contract signed in late 2016. DAPA said that by bringing the project forward by one year it would
"help the shipbuilding industry in Busan to revive [its] stagnant economy" and bolster the RoKN's amphibious
capabilities. Hanjin delivered an initial batch of two LSF-II hovercraft under a contract awarded in 2007. These two
(LCAC) Landing Craft Air Cushion craft are used in operations from the RoKN's Dokdo-class amphibious transport
dock ship.

Mine warfare forces

Yang Yang class
The first batch of Yang Yang-class MCM vessels was built by Kangnam Corporation and commissioned between
1999 and 2005. A second batch of three was reportedly delivered in 2014.

The Yang Yang-class is based on the Swallow-class, which are in turn similar to the Italian Lerici design. The
vessels are fitted with a 2061 combat data system, a type 2093 variable-depth minehunting sonar (both from
Thomson Marconi), as well as a Pluto Gigas remotely operated underwater vehicles (ROVs). They are estimated to
have a service life of around 25--30 years. The new batch will feature a combined influence sweep system by GMB
USA, as well as noise systems from ITT Exelis and Thales Australia. The unit cost for each is estimated to be
around the region of USD100 million each.

Won San class

In May 2015, HHI unveiled RoKN's second indigenously manufactured minelayer with anti-submarine warfare
(ASW) capabilities. The vessel, RoKS Nampo  (570), was unveiled in Ulsan on 27 May in a ceremony presided over
by South Korean vice defence minister Baek Seung-joo. Nampo  has been built according to the Future Frigate
Experimental (FFX) design under the MLS-II programme, which called for a mine warfare vessel with reduced radar
cross-section (RCS) features. The vessel can accommodate a crew of 120 and one medium-sized helicopter in its
hangar. Nampo  can reach a top speed of 23 kt and has a standard range of 4,500 n miles at 13 kt. The 114 m
vessel has a beam of 17.2 m, a draught of 4.61 m, and displaces 4,200 tonnes at full load. Nampo  is currently
scheduled for delivery to the RoKN by October 2016 and scheduled for commissioning around April 2017.

Diver detection systems

In April 2012 Atlas Elektronik UK Ltd announced a major contract involving the supply and installation of Cerberus
Mod 2 diver detection system (DDS) sonars in strategic RoK harbours. The contract was awarded by LIG Nex1, the
South Korean aerospace and defence company. Over a period of five years, Atlas Elektronik UK will supply DDS
systems to LIG Nex1 for installation, but in conjunction with a domestic company providing long-term in-service
support.

Auxiliaries
Combat support ship
In November 2016, HHI launched a 10,000-ton combat support ship in construction for the RoKN. The Soyang  was
unveiled at HHI's Ulsan dockyard and is expected to be delivered to the RoKN by late 2017. Once operational in
2018, the Soyang  will be among the largest vessels in the RoKN fleet, second in size only to the Dokdo-class LPH.

Training ship
In July 2016, DAPA announced that Hyundai Heavy Industries, was awarded with a KRW260 billion (USD228
million) contract to construct a dedicated training ship for the RoKN According to details provided by DAPA, the
contract was awarded in June 2016 and calls for the ship to be delivered by 2020.

Details of the training vessel provided to Jane's  indicate a light displacement of 4,500 tonnes and a top speed of
24 kt. The ship can accommodate up to 300 trainees in addition to a crew complement of 100, and will be
equipped with a 76 mm naval gun as its main weapon complemented with a 40 mm cannon.

A Yonhap news agency report on the training ship contract citing a DAPA representative indicate that the platform
will also feature submarine-hunting equipment, although no details on these were given.

Trials support ship

The Republic of Korea's DDA received a new naval research vessel in May 2012 under a contract with STX
Shipbuilding announced in June 2009. The vessel is projected to displace around 1,200 tonnes at a unit cost of
USD34 million. Accommodation will be provided for 30 personnel. The vessel is to be civilian operated, similar to
the existing trials support vessel Sunjin .

Fleet replenishment ship

RoKN plans to add up to two more 9,000-tonne Chun Jee-class replenishment ships to the fleet have been
superseded by a new class of AOE-II fleet replenishment tankers, which will replace the Chun Jee-class vessels by
around 2020 and provide further strategic capability in the process. The navy's new blue water and force
projection capable fleet may require the procurement of a larger auxiliary oiler replenishment (AOR), capable of
supporting an amphibious task group or a surface action group with several KDX-2, KDX-3, and FFX surface
combatants. The programme schedule and contract values assume a unit cost of USD300-350 million.

ATS-II salvage-and-rescue vessels

In November 2013, DAPA selected HHIC to build a second ATS-II salvage-and-rescue vessel for the RoKN, with
delivery of the 3,500-tonne vessel scheduled for 2016. The first ATS-II vessel was built by DSME and was launched
in September 2012 under a KRW159 billion contract signed in 2010. The first vessel entered service in 2014.
Powered by 6,000 hp diesel engines, the vessel has a top speed of 21 kt and is fitted with an ROV.

With an overall length of 107.5 m and a 16.8 m beam, the 4,700-tonne (full load) auxiliary is powered by four 6,000
hp diesel engines for a maximum speed of 21 kt. Equipped with a dynamic positioning system, the vessel can
support diving to a depth of 90 m and operations by its embarked ROV (fitted with side scan sonar) to 3,000 m.
Facilities include an eight-man recompression chamber and a flight-deck for a medium-sized helicopter.

Submarine rescue ship

South Korean shipyard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) has been selected to design the
RoKN's new Auxiliary Submarine Rescue ship or ASR-II. The vessel is intended to strengthen capabilities currently
represented by the one Cheonghaejin-class ASR submarine rescue ship in the RoKN inventory. The impending
operation of larger submarines, such as the 3,000-tonne KSS-III diesel-electric boats (SSKs) that are due for
delivery from 2020, the RoKN has begun to look for a rescue platform with improved capacity. A preliminary
description of the ASR-II suggests that, unlike the other vessels, it will be a dedicated submarine rescue platform.

Naval aviation
In January 2016, DAPA announced that it sought to procure additional platforms under the RoKN's Maritime
Operational Helicopter programme. DAPA stated that it is considering three types of aircraft to meet the RoKN
requirement: the Leonardo AW159, Sikorsky MH-60R, and NHIndustries NH90. It plans to contract a supplier by the
end of 2018, with the new helicopters inducted from 2020 to 2022. Although Tte procurement agency did not state
the scope or value of the expanded maritime helicopter programme but local media agencies, citing DAPA
officials, said it would feature the procurement of 12 helicopters for about KRW900 billion (USD773 million). DAPA
added that the helicopters would be deployed from next-generation RoKN frigates and will be operated in missions
to address threats from North Korea. DAPA also cited the requirement for additional maritime helicopters in
response to North Korea's growing capabilities in submarine-launched ballistic missiles systems.

Lynx Mk 99
The Westland WG.13 Lynx Mk 99 helicopters began entering service with the RoKN in early 1990s. Following the
loss at sea of a Lynx and its three crew members during an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) training exercise with
the US Navy on 26 September 2016, the RoKN suspended flight operations of the Lynx fleet. All 22 of the service's
remaining Mk 99 helicopters were grounded till the investigation into the fatal crash was concluded on 27 October
2016. According to the findings of the investigation, the crash occurred was caused by the pilot losing control.

AW159 Wildcat
An initial batch of four AW159 shipborne anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters on order for the RoKN were
delivered in June 2016. The final four helicopters were handed over to RoKN in November 2016. According to local
media reports, the RoKN is aiming to operationally deploy the AW159s from mid-2017. South Korea had
announced procurement of eight AW159s in January 2013 under its Maritime Operational Helicopter programme.
They will serve on board the RoKN's Incheon-class frigates.

The AW159s will be equipped with Thales' FLASH Compact Sonics low-frequency active dipping sonar and
acoustic processing suite. The aircraft will also be equipped with the Seaspray 7000E active electronically
scanned array (AESA) radar supplied by Selex

In a demonstration of its newly attained submarine prosecution capabilities, the RoKN deployed its AW159
helicopters on ASW drills for the first time, the service confirmed with Jane's  on 7 February 2017. The exercises,
which included the deployment of the helicopter's dipping sonar system, were conducted with a squadron of four
airframes near the port of Busan, and tested helicopters' ability to interoperate with its surface ships to jointly
prosecute submarines, said the service. Also participating in the exercises was the service's Incheon-class guided-
missile frigate, RoKS Gwangju .
S-3 Viking
The sale and upgrade of up to 20 former USN S-3 Viking maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) to South Korea should
proceed in 2016. With the USN having retired the twin-turbofan S-3 Viking in 2009, in late 2013 South Korea
expressed interest in acquiring in the type to supplement existing P-3s in the littoral ASW role. DAPA has
developed a five-year acquisition plan that includes procurement of 12 S-3s for the RoKN, with an option for eight
more. With parliamentary approval expected in June, a draft request for proposals for Korean industrial
participation is set to follow in the first quarter of 2017, leading to a contract in 2018, with IOC scheduled for 2020.

There are around 90 surplus S-3B airframes in storage at at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona with an
average of some 12,000 hours of airframe left on them, amounting to 15+ years of operational service life before
requiring structural refurbishment. Having been upgraded by the USN shortly before retirement, the S-3s will not
need much in the way of modifications before returning to service, though they do require a modern ASW mission
suite, sensor upgrades and improved digital communications. Lockheed Martin will advise on the upgrade options.

Although being sold as Excess Defense Articles (EDA), the S-3s are not being gifted to South Korea. The airframes
themselves will be a Foreign Military Sale (FMS), with systems upgrade, integration and post-sale support
executed through a Direct Commercial Sale (DCS). Lockheed Martin will likely be involved in choosing airframes
for renovation based on material condition and operational history. RoKN aircrew and maintainer training will be
another challenge, given that corporate knowledge on the S-3 in the USN has largely disappeared.

Lockheed Martin is looking at two options for delivering the S-3s to South Korea. The first involves the company
performing prototype refurbishment and upgrade in the US, with follow-on work accomplished in Korea. The
second option involves all 12-20 aircraft being refurbished and upgraded in South Korea, with Lockheed Martin
overseeing the effort as prime integrator. Details of senor and weapons fit will be determined as the effort
proceeds.

The S-3 Viking is attractive to the RoKN bases on four-person crew compared with eight or more aboard the P-3,
with faster speeds permitting rapid reaction to threats. The S-3 was designed to employ a host of ASW and anti-
surface weapon systems, including torpedoes, Harpoon missiles, 60 sonobuoys, and mines.

P-3CK Orion
South Korea ordered an initial batch of eight P-3C Update III+ Orion MPA in 1990. The RoKN then bought nine
surplus ex-USN Lockheed Martin P-3B Block II aircraft in 2005 for USD496 million, of which eight were upgraded to
P-3CK standard, with one for spares.

The eight aircraft reconfigured to P-3CK standard, obtained structural modifications and additional mission
system upgrades. The first four aircraft were originally to be refurbished by L-3 Communications, with KAI
completing work on the remaining four. However, the programme experienced delays caused by funding
difficulties, disputes between Lockheed Martin and L-3, systems integration issues, and US export controls
relating to the electronic support measures. These were finally resolved in 2010, with L-3 agreeing to modify the
initial pair and KAI upgrading the remaining six locally.

In February 2010 South Korea took delivery of the first P-3CK Orion, followed by the remaining seven.

Maritime surveillance aircraft

According to reports in the local media quoting a senior government official in September 2016, South Korea may
seek the procurement of four Boeing P-8 Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft in the wake of the successful
test-firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) by North Korea on 24 August. The official reportedly
told the Korea JoongAng Ilbo  newspaper that South Korea needed to expand the reach of its maritime
surveillance, given "the limits of the outdated anti-submarine patrol aircraft currently operated by the navy".

Missiles
SM-2 Block IIIB
According to a news release by US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the US State Department has
approved the sale of 17 SM-2 Block IIIB anti-air missiles to South Korea for an estimated cost of USD65 million.

The sale was approved under the US Foreign Military Sales programme and includes 17 SM-2 missile containers,
training equipment, and related logistics support. The SM-2 Block IIIB missiles will be used to supplement
the Republic of Korea Navy's (RoKN's) existing SM-2 Block IIIA/IIIB inventory that is deployed on the RoKN's KDX-2
and KDX-3 destroyers.

K-SAAM
The ship-based Korean Surface-to-Air Anti-Missile (K-SAAM, or SAAM) system is moving through operational test
firing and is on track to enter surface with the RoKN in 2018. The K-SAAM programme began in 2011 with
operational test firing starting in 2013. LIG Nex1 has held more than 22 operational test firings and expects to hold
at least 10 more before a contract is signed with DAPA in late 2016 or early 2017. The medium-range system is
intended to protect the RoKN's surface fleet from anti-ship cruise missiles and aircraft, and will replace the short-
range Raytheon Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM) in providing close-in ship defence.

The 2.07 m long K-SAAM employs inertial mid-course guidance and a dual microwave and imaging infrared seeker
for terminal guidance. It is housed in a four-cell vertical launch system (VLS), four of which are intended to be
fitted to RoKN ships, giving 16 missiles per ship. It can also be retrofitted to existing VLS already in service, the
officials said. Officials have declined to disclose range or speed, but point to its jet vane assembly and imaging
infrared seeker as major technical accomplishments.

The RoKN first ordered RAM systems in 1999 under a USD24.9 million order covering the supply of three Mk 49
guided missile launching systems (GMLSs) for its initial batch of three KDX-2 destroyers. It is also fitted to the
RoKN's KDX-3 destroyers, Incheon-class frigates, and Dokdo amphibious assault ship. As well as eventually
replacing RAM on these ships, K-SAAM will also be fitted to the RoKN's minehunters.

The K-SAAM is the latest ship-based missile from LIG Nex1, which is also responsible for the Haeseong (C-Star)
anti-ship cruise missile system. Both systems illustrate a general trend by the South Korean military of replacing
foreign produced weapons with locally built versions that, superficially at least, share many design elements.

Anti-submarine rocket
DAPA announced on 25 May 2014 that it had improved the accuracy of a domestic ship-launched anti-submarine
missile and is on track towards restarting its mass production. The Korean anti-submarine rocket (K-ASROC) or
Hongsangeo, as it is locally known, is a vertically launched two-stage missile that carries a 280 kg torpedo as its
payload. The torpedo is ejected from the carrier missile as it nears a targeted submarine and descends via
parachute into the water. The torpedo is then guided to its objective via a sonar system. The missile is powered by
a solid-propellant motor, has a maximum range of 20 km, and is guided by an inertial navigation system and GPS.
According to state news agency Yonhap, about 50 rounds of the anti-submarine missile have been deployed since
2010 but its production was halted due to complaints filed by the RoKN in July 2012 regarding its accuracy.

The Korean state-funded ADD is reported to have spent about KRW100 billion over a period of nine years since
2000 in developing the K-ASROC with local aerospace and defence company LIG Nex1. The missile is seen as an
urgent ASW capability requirement for Seoul since a government inquiry concluded that a North Korean submarine
torpedoed and sank the Cheonan  in 2010. Mass production for the missile, dubbed the "submarine killer" by South
Korean media resumed in 2014.

Harpoon
The US Department of State approved the FMS of UGM-84L Harpoon Block II submarine-launched missiles and
associated components to South Korea in November 2015. The UGM-84L Block II missile is the submarine-
launched version of the RGM-84L. Besides 19 UGM-84L Harpoon Block II all-up-round missiles, the approval also
covers the possible sale of 13 Block II upgrade kits and associated equipment, parts, training, and logistics
support.

The sale is valued at approximately USD110 million and Boeing Company has been named as a prime contractor
in the potential deal. There are no known offset arrangements proposed in the potential sale, said the DSCA.

Phalanx
Phalanx Block 1B was ordered by DAPA in May 2010 for the six-ship FFX Batch I programme. RoKN brought
Raytheon Missile Systems under contract in December 2013 to supply nine Phalanx Block 1B. Valued at USD123
million, the Direct Commercial Sale contract covers the delivery of Phalanx Block 1B systems for installation on
FFX Batch II Ulsan-class frigates and AOE II-class fast combat support ships. Deliveries will begin in 2016 and are
scheduled to be completed in 2022.

SLBM
According to local media reports that cited a high-ranking military official, South Korea is developing submarine-
launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) for its latest and more capable attack submarines currently under
construction to counter North Korea's growing naval capabilities.

"On the 3,000-tonne Jangbogo-III [also known as KSS-III] submarine, which is currently under production, we are
installing a vertical launching pad," the official was quoted as saying on condition of anonymity, stressing that this
indicates an SLBM "is already under development".

While the official failed to mention the name of the prototype, he pointed out that the SLBM is being developed
under the aegis of the Agency of Defense Development and is expected to be completed by 2020.

It is possible that the missile in question is a variant of one of the missiles from South Korea's Hyunmoo-2 ballistic
missile family (also known as the Hyunmu-2 or Hyon Mu 2), either the 500 km range Hyunmoo-2B, or 800 km
range Hyunmu-2C. The South has also developed a cruise missile family, the Hyunmu-3 (also known as the Cheon
Ryong), the third model in the family, the Hyunmu-3C, having a range of up to 1,500 km and a circular error
probable (CEP) of between 1 m and 5 m.

Marine corps
Armour
South Korea continues to co-produce a local variant of the BAE Systems Ground Systems Division AAV7A1
(LVTP7A1) amphibious assault vehicle, which is used by the ROKMC as well as sold internationally.

Anti-tank
The military purchased at least 67 Rafael Spike-NLOS (non line of sight) guided missiles following the November
2010 shelling of Yeongpyeong Island by North Korean coastal artillery. The missiles were first seen in public in an
October 2013 military parade, when they were displayed by the ROKMC. The marine corps actually intend to field
the system on a Plasan SandCat 4x4 vehicle, but in the parade, the system was displayed on a Kia Motors KM25
series truck, suggesting the weapons may not yet be in service.

The missile, which uses a radio frequency datalink and has a range of up to 25 km, is likely to be deployed on
Baengnyeong and Yeonpyeong islands in the West Sea - in fixed positions for use against North Korean coastal
artillery positions. According to Rafael officials, warhead options include standard high-explosive anti-tank rounds
and advanced penetration/blast/fragmentation warheads optimised for anti-bunker attacks.

Marine corps aviation

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) continues to develop the amphibious variant of the Surion tactical helicopter
developed jointly with Airbus Helicopters. The amphibious version successfully completed its first flight in January
2015 and has been in trials since.
In January 2017, KAI announced that it had secured a contract valued at KRW633 billion to provide the RoKMC
with 30 amphibious versions of the Surion by 2023.

All versions of the Surion feature two GE T700-701K turboshaft engines that were jointly developed by General
Electrics and Samsung Techwin. The aircraft also features a Samsung Thales forward-looking infrared (FLIR)
system and Elbit Systems heads-up display with head-tracking capability. It also has two missile warning sensors
on each side of the helicopter, providing 360-degree coverage and two radar warning receivers fitted to the front.

RoKMC Surions are expected to be deployed aboard the navy's Dokdo-class LPH and from land bases,
complementing existing UH-60P Black Hawks. They will also support naval SOF.

Equipment in service
Submarines
Class Manufacturer Role Original total In service Commissioned
KSS-2 (Type 214) Hyundai Attack 9 41 2007
Chang Bogo (Type 209/1200) HDW/Daewoo Attack 9 9 1993
Dolphin (Cosmos) n/a Midget 9 9 n/a
1. Deliveries ongoing.

Surface fleet
Original In
Class Manufacturer Role Total service Commissioned
KDX-1 Daewoo Destroyer 3 3 1998
KDX-2 Daewoo/Hyundai Destroyer 6 6 2003
KDX-3 Hyundai Destroyer 6 3 2008
Ulsan Various Frigate 9 7 1981
FFX Hyundai Frigate 24 7 2013
Po Hang Various Corvette 24 164 1984
Dong Hae Various Corvette 4 4 1982
Sea Korea SEC/Korea Tacoma Fast attack craft - patrol 1011 692 n/a
Dolphin/Wildcat
Gumdoksuri Hanjin Heavy Industries Patrol craft - guided 18 17 2008
(HHI) missile
Swallow Kangnam Corporation Minehunter 6 6 1986
Won San Hyundai Minelayer 1 1 1997
Yang Yang Kangnam Corporation Minesweeper - coastal 6 3 1999
Dokdo  HHI Landing platform dock 1 1 2007
LST-2 HHI Landing ship tank 4 1 2015
Alligator Korea Tacoma Landing ship - tank 4 4 1993
LCM 8 n/a Landing craft - 10 10 n/a3
mechanised
LCU HHI Landing craft - utility 2 2 2012
Tsaplya (Murena Khabarovsk Landing craft air 3 3 2005
E) cushion
LSF-II HHI Landing craft air 2 2 2007
cushion
1. 54 Sea Dolphins and 47 Wildcats.

2. Being gradually phased out. Six boats were decommissioned in December 2015. Some have been
transferred to allied nations or are in reserve.

3. Previously US Army craft. Transferred in September 1978.

4. Lead ship Po Hang  (756) was retired in 2009, Cheonan  (772) sunk in March 2010, Kun San  (757)
decommissioned in September 2011 and Kim Chon  (761) decommissioned in December 2015.

Auxiliaries
Class Manufacturer Role Original total In service Commissioned
Cheong Hae Jin Daewoo Salvage/submarine rescue 1 1 1996
Chun Jee Hyundai Logistic support ship 3 3 1990
Sunjin  Hyundai Trials support ship 1 1 1993
Tongyeong  Daewoo Salvage ship 1 1 2014
Various Various Harbour tug n/a 10 n/a
Various Various Harbour tug - small n/a 92 n/a
Various Various Small service craft n/a 35 n/a
1. Transferred from the United States on 29 August 1996 and re-commissioned on 28 February 1997.

2. These include one ex-USN craft and five ex-US Army craft.

Naval aviation
For additional inventory details, please click here

Fixed wing

Platform Platform Synonym/NATO Primary role Primary role Estimated in First delivery
family  variant  designation  (general)  (specific)  service  date 
P-3 Orion P-3C - Maritime Patrol 8 1995
P-3 Orion P-3CK - Maritime Patrol 8 2010
F406 F406 - Maritime Patrol 5 1999
Caravan II

Rotary wing

First
Platform Platform Synonym/NATO Primary role Primary role Estimated in delivery
family  variant  designation  (general)  (specific)  service  date 
1, 2
Lynx Super Lynx - Maritime ASW/ASuW 221, 2 1991
Series 100
AW159 - Wildcat Maritime ASW 8 2016
S-70A Black UH-60P S-70A-18 Logistics Utility 19 1993
Hawk
UH-1 UH-1H - Logistics Utility 5 n/a
1. One lost in crash in September 2016.

2. Includes some operated by the marine corps.

Missiles

System variant  Manufacturer  Primary role (general) 

Sea Skua Matra BAE Anti-ship

AGM-84A Harpoon Boeing Anti-ship

Marines
Original In First
Type Manufacturer Role total service delivery
KAAVC7A1 Samsung Techwin and United Command n/a n/a 1997
Defense L.P. vehicle
KAAVP7A1 Samsung Techwin, United Mine clearance n/a n/a 1997
Defense L.P.
KAAVR7A1 Samsung Techwin, United Recovery vehicle n/a n/a 1997
Defense L.P.
155 mm/52-calibre K9 Samsung Techwin Self-propelled n/a n/a 1999
Thunder artillery
5.56 mm K1A Daewoo Precision Industries Carbine n/a n/a 1981
5.56 mm K2 Daewoo Precision Industries Rifle n/a n/a 1987

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