Jung Kyung-doo Defense Minister: "Sufficient Defense Budget Possible for Light Aircraft Carrier"

Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo is attending the full meeting of the National Defense Committee held at the National Assembly on the 25th, delivering a work report. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-du stated on the 25th regarding the acquisition project of a light aircraft carrier (displacement of 30,000 tons) that "the annual investment cost can be sufficiently accommodated within the defense budget."

Minister Jeong responded this way to a question from Shin Won-sik of the Future United Party during the National Defense Committee hearing, who asked, "Isn't excessive budget being投入 into the light aircraft carrier project, which is beyond security needs?" He added, "We must start now to equip ourselves with the capability to prepare for the future 30 to 50 years from now," and said, "Ultimately, if pursued, it will take at least 13 to 15 years, or even longer."

The Ministry of National Defense officially announced the introduction of the light aircraft carrier for the first time this year in its mid-term plan. Regarding the background of the military's shift from the original Large Transport Ship-II project to the light aircraft carrier, some analysts suggest it is a strategic move considering the introduction of the F-35B, a stealth fighter capable of vertical takeoff and landing.

If the F-35B introduction proceeds, there are concerns that the Air Force's plan to additionally procure 20 F-35A units will be delayed. The Air Force planned to complete the procurement of 40 F-35A units by next year, then immediately acquire 20 more, establishing a "60-unit F-35A system" by the mid to late 2020s. However, if the F-35B is introduced, the F-35A procurement will inevitably be delayed or reduced.

Meanwhile, Minister Jeong commented on Kim Won-woong, President of the Gwangbok Association, pointing out the pro-Japanese background of the 1st to 21st Army Chiefs of Staff, stating, "Since they also participated in the Korean War and saved the country from crisis, their merits and demerits should be historically evaluated."

In response to a question from Han Ki-ho of the Future United Party, who said "President Kim made factually incorrect claims," Minister Jeong said, "I understand that the Gwangbok Association President spoke from the standpoint of an organization of independence activists and their descendants, and it is true that some Army Chiefs of Staff were affiliated with the Japanese military."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.