Next Year's Ministry of National Defense Budget Includes 'Next-Generation Submarine'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The government has set the 2021 defense budget at 52.9174 trillion won, a 5.5% increase from this year.

According to the budget plan prepared by the Ministry of National Defense on the 1st, the defense capability improvement fund for military power construction was set at 17.0738 trillion won, a 2.4% increase from the previous year, and the power operation cost for military power operation was set at 35.8436 trillion won. In particular, the power operation cost increased by 7.1% compared to the previous year, the highest growth rate in the past 10 years.

▲ Promotion of core weapon system introduction = To respond to North Korea's nuclear and WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) threats, 5.087 trillion won was allocated to 36 projects including strategic target strike power, Korean-style missile defense construction, and overwhelming response power preparation. For 14 projects including the performance upgrade of Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) equipment and the Military Satellite Communication System-II, which are essential capabilities for the transfer of wartime operational control to the Korean military, 2.2269 trillion won was allocated. Additionally, 6.4726 trillion won was set for 109 projects related to military structural reform according to defense reform, totaling 14.5695 trillion won for weapon system acquisition.

Notably, 525.9 billion won will be invested in the construction of next-generation submarines including the 4000-ton class in next year’s budget. This includes the budget for the domestically first independently developed 3000-ton class submarine (Jangbogo-III) 'Batch-II'.

9.069 billion won will be invested in the Korean Fighter eXperimental (KF-X) project called Boramae, and 3.094 billion won for securing K-2 tanks. The F-35A fighter jet acquisition project will have its final year next year with a total allocation of 1.2 trillion won. The 587.4 billion won reduction compared to last year is due to some prepayment for the F-35A jets to be introduced next year.

On the other hand, projects such as the Maritime Patrol Aircraft-II (reduced by 270.4 billion won) and the 3000-ton class submarine Jangbogo-III Batch-I (reduced by 252 billion won) were significantly cut during negotiations with budget authorities.

To establish unit garrisons and coastal surveillance operational posture, AI (Artificial Intelligence)-based high-performance monitoring equipment (196.8 billion won) will be introduced, and 138.9 billion won was allocated for reinforcement of surveillance facilities, totaling 335.7 billion won. To efficiently operate advanced weapons during wartime and peacetime, maintenance costs for equipment such as F-35A fighter jets and High-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (HUAV) were increased by 7.7% to 3.7367 trillion won.

▲ Sergeant monthly pay in the 600,000 won range = Next year, the monthly pay for sergeants will increase to 608,500 won, with an overall 12.5% increase in soldier pay. The sergeant’s pay will rise from the current 540,900 won to 608,500 won, which is about 45% of the 2017 minimum wage. Compensation for reservist mobilization training (based on 2 nights and 3 days) will also increase from 42,000 won to 47,000 won.

Soldiers will receive 10,000 won per month to get haircuts at civilian barbershops or salons. A total of 42.1 billion won was allocated for haircut expenses, which will be provided to both active duty soldiers and full-time reservists. To maintain soldier hygiene, the number of combat shirts for summer will be increased from one to two, and new water bottles with improved performance for easy washing will be distributed. A monthly allowance of 11,550 won will be provided to purchase seven items including skin lotion, while eight items such as soap, detergent, and razors will be supplied in kind.

To guarantee medical choice rights for illnesses and injuries during military service and strengthen national responsibility, a soldier group insurance system (13.4 billion won) will be introduced. Support for soldier self-development activities (100,000 won per person annually) will be expanded from 80,000 to 235,000 personnel. 179.9 billion won was allocated to improve old and insufficient officer accommodations, and the short-term service officer (Bachelor’s degree and ROTC) incentive pay will be raised by 1 million won to 4 million won. As the standing forces are reduced to 500,000 by 2022, 2,315 non-commissioned officers and 5,367 civilian employees will be added next year, respectively.

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