[Yang Nak-gyu's Defense video] The '3 Major Strategic Weapons' Included in the Mid-term Plan

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist] The Ministry of National Defense's 2021-2025 Mid-term Defense Plan includes the '3 Core Weapons': a light aircraft carrier (displacement of 30,000 tons), a nuclear-powered submarine, and strategic missiles.

The military officially announced the introduction of a light aircraft carrier for the first time this year. The light aircraft carrier will eliminate the space for landing crafts on a large transport ship and instead carry fighter jets. This is interpreted as a strategic move considering the introduction of the F-35B stealth fighter jet capable of vertical takeoff and landing. If the light aircraft carrier is constructed, it will effectively be regarded as the third large transport ship of light aircraft carrier class. The Navy currently possesses two large transport ships (14,000 tons class): the Dokdo-class (1st ship) and the Marado-class, which was launched in May last year.

If the F-35B introduction proceeds, there are concerns that the Air Force's plan to acquire an additional 20 F-35A jets will be delayed. The Air Force planned to complete the acquisition of 40 F-35A jets by next year, then immediately procure 20 more, establishing a '60 F-35A jet system' by the mid to late 2020s. However, with the introduction of the F-35B, the F-35A acquisition is inevitably delayed.

The plan includes possessing submarines in the 3,600 to 4,000-ton class. Some interpret this as a plan considering nuclear-powered submarines. Nuclear-powered submarines are presented as a 'strong card' by North Korea, equipped with nuclear warheads on intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) and submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs). Nuclear-powered submarines, called nuclear submarines, generate power by turning turbines with steam produced from heat generated by nuclear fission. The nuclear fuel (enriched uranium) in the small reactor inside the hull does not need to be replaced for a short 10 years or as long as 20 to 30 years until it is fully consumed. Notably, their cruising speed reaches 45 km/h, more than three times faster than conventional submarines. This allows them to quickly strike targets, withdraw swiftly, and launch a follow-up attack in the shortest time.

However, the Korea-US nuclear agreement poses an obstacle. The Korea-US nuclear agreement stipulates that 'South Korea's uranium enrichment must not exceed 20% and cannot be used for military purposes.' To operate nuclear-powered submarines, South Korea must revise the Korea-US nuclear agreement. This means that nuclear-powered submarine projects without US support and consent are impossible.

Missile capabilities will be significantly strengthened. This includes the Hyunmoo-4, an 800 km-class ballistic missile capable of preemptive strikes against North Korea, cruise missiles, and interceptor missiles to defend against North Korean missiles. If the Hyunmoo-4 receives combat suitability certification within this year and mass production begins next year, it is expected to possess power comparable to tactical nuclear weapons. The warhead weight of 500 kg is sufficient to destroy airfield runways, but if increased to 2 tons, it will have at least three times the penetration power compared to the currently strongest bunker buster, the GBU-57. It can penetrate reinforced concrete over 24 meters thick and general ground up to 180 meters, effectively possessing tactical nuclear-level power.

The current Hyunmoo missiles held by the military mean 'guardian of the north.' The Hyunmoo missile series includes the Hyunmoo-2A (range 300 km), Hyunmoo-2B (500 km), Hyunmoo-2C (800 km) ballistic missiles, and the Hyunmoo-3 (1,000 km) cruise missile. It is reported that the military developed and deployed the Hyunmoo-2B ballistic missile, capable of pull-up maneuvers during the descent phase similar to Russia's Iskander missile, in the early 2000s. Among the Hyunmoo missile series, the Hyunmoo-2 ballistic missiles use rocket propulsion, making them faster and more destructive than the jet engine-based Hyunmoo-3 cruise missile. However, cruise missiles have higher precision than ballistic missiles.