30,000-ton Light Aircraft Carrier and Domestic Fighter Jet Projects Discussed
"Let's Accelerate Digital Strong Military and Smart Defense"
![President Moon, Without Mentioning North Korea's Atrocities, States "Firm Response to Threats to Public Safety" [Full Text]](https://cphoto.asiae.co.kr/listimglink/1/2020092511211513259_1601000476.jpg)
President Moon Jae-in is receiving a salute while attending the 72nd Armed Forces Day ceremony held at the Army Special Warfare Command in Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do on the morning of the 25th. President Moon Jae-in stated on the 25th, "The government and the military will further strengthen their vigilance and readiness, and will respond firmly to any acts that threaten the lives and safety of the people."
However, in the approximately 15-minute commemorative speech, there was no mention of the words related to North Korea's shooting of South Korean civilians and mutilation of bodies, nor was the word 'North Korea' included. President Moon devoted most of the speech to introducing the 'Future Vision of the Armed Forces.'
President Moon mentioned plans such as the launch of reconnaissance satellites using solid space launch vehicles, the 30,000-ton class light aircraft carrier project, and the domestically produced Boramae fighter jet project, emphasizing, "We must accelerate the realization of a digital strong military and smart defense to prepare for new concepts and forms of warfare that will emerge in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era."
Additionally, President Moon also commended the military's efforts in combating the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Below is the full text of President Moon's Armed Forces Day commemorative speech.
9/25 (Fri) 72nd Armed Forces Day Ceremony
Respected citizens and members of the armed forces,
For the first time in history, the 72nd Armed Forces Day ceremony is being held at the Army Special Warfare Command. I am very pleased to celebrate Armed Forces Day today with the special warfare soldiers and to present the future vision of our armed forces to the people. I encourage the soldiers who are still dedicating themselves on the frontlines of national security and world peace, as well as those deployed overseas, and express deep gratitude to veterans, reservists, United Nations veterans, and U.S. Forces Korea soldiers.
We must never forget that today's Republic of Korea was built upon the sacrifices of patriotic ancestors. I pay special respects to the spirits of those who defended the nation and their bereaved families, and especially pray for the eternal rest of the 478 special warfare heroes who died gloriously in the line of duty.
Dear citizens,
The Special Warfare Command represents the Republic of Korea's special forces. It is an honorable unit that inherits the tradition of the 8,240 guerrilla unit, also known as the Kello unit, who risked death without rank or serial number during the Korean War. Through harsh training that is more intense than actual combat, special warfare soldiers possess the confidence of one against a hundred, and the spirit of "make the impossible possible" not only leads to successful mission execution but also instills pride in the people.
Just as the roots of our armed forces lie in the Liberation Army, special warfare also began with the history of the Liberation Army. In April 1945, the Liberation Army's Eagle agents, driven by the desire for national liberation, began the 'Eagle Operation' together with the U.S. intelligence agency OSS. They underwent rigorous training and became 38 special warfare soldiers skilled in demolition, marksmanship, and mountain guerrilla tactics. Although the operation was not carried out due to Japan's surrender, the spirit of the Liberation Army, which planned to soar like an eagle as a foothold for liberation, is inherited in the hearts of today's special warfare units across all branches.
The Naval Special Warfare Group is a core force of the Cheonghae Unit and demonstrated the capabilities of South Korea's special forces worldwide through the 'Dawn of Aden Operation.' The Navy's Rescue Unit protects the lives and property of the people in extreme disaster and accident environments with the highest level of underwater operation capabilities in the entire military. The Air Force Pararescue is always ready to rescue fellow pilots under any adverse conditions, and the Air Traffic Controllers will be the first to infiltrate dangerous enemy territory to establish a foothold for smooth air operations.
From the Marine Corps Special Reconnaissance Unit, which serves as the eyes and ears of the landing forces, special warfare soldiers are strong, outstanding, and irreplaceable elite troops. In peacetime, they protect the lives and property of the people and are truly proud special warfare soldiers who complete any mission at the risk of their lives. The people will always feel reassured by them. As the supreme commander of the military and a senior comrade, I express deep trust and affection.
To the soldiers of the armed forces,
There is no distinction between front and rear in maintaining a firm security posture. This year, especially, you have worked hard to establish a special posture against new security threats such as COVID-19 and natural disasters. Through the 'Defense Rapid Support Group,' all military assets including personnel, facilities, and equipment were mobilized for quarantine efforts. In vulnerable areas, 32,000 troops pulled disinfectors and decontamination vehicles to carry out 'visiting quarantine support operations.' Masks and medical supplies were loaded onto Air Force transport planes and delivered to medical facilities nationwide and overseas Korean residents, and the Air Force safely escorted Koreans returning home. Our Army, Navy, and Air Force also led recovery efforts in flood-damaged areas hit by unusually long and severe monsoons and typhoons. Above all, I commend the best efforts made to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among soldiers. Our military responded excellently to quarantine with measures stronger than those of health authorities, and soldiers prioritized their comrades and the nation.
To all soldiers across the country who have been silently enduring and dedicating themselves until now, just before the great national holiday Chuseok, and to families enduring longing due to visitation and leave restrictions, I extend my consolation and encouragement.
Dear citizens,
Even in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, we trust in our comprehensive security capabilities that no one can challenge and focus on quarantine and the economy. Today, I arrived at this event escorted by advanced tactical drones and unmanned combat vehicles developed with our technology, using a domestically produced tactical command vehicle for the first time as a president. You must have fully witnessed the image of the 'future armed forces creating peace' in the sky above the venue, filled with the world's strongest large attack helicopters Apache and Black Hawk from the Navy and Air Force special warfare units, and the Korean medium-lift helicopter Surion.
The future armed forces must respond not only to traditional security threats but also to non-military threats such as infectious diseases like COVID-19, terrorism, and disasters. We must accelerate the realization of a digital strong military and smart defense to prepare for new concepts and forms of warfare that will emerge in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era. In August, the government announced the Defense Mid-term Plan to successfully complete 'Defense Reform 2.0.' Over five years from 2021 to 2025, 301 trillion won will be invested to build an 'innovative strong military that protects and creates peace.' The strong power of the future armed forces will be built on our scientific and technological capabilities.
This year, the Korea-U.S. missile guidelines were revised, lifting restrictions on warhead weight and allowing the use of solid fuel in space launch vehicles. Following the military-exclusive communication satellite ANASIS-II, we plan to develop the capability to launch reconnaissance satellites using solid space launch vehicles to monitor potential threats in real time. Missiles more accurate, powerful, and with longer range than the Army's current 800 km-range ballistic missiles and 1,000 km-range cruise missiles will protect our land.
The 30,000-ton class light aircraft carrier project, which will serve as a multipurpose military base to quickly respond to transnational and non-military threats occurring overseas, will officially begin next year. The light aircraft carrier, with nearly twice the transport capacity of existing large transport ships, and the submarine force with greatly enhanced armament and submersion capabilities will protect not only our seas but also maritime routes used by our citizens.
The domestically produced Boramae fighter prototype has entered the final assembly stage, and the cutting-edge AESA radar prototype, the 'eye of the fighter,' has been delivered and is preparing for system integration. If the Boramae development is completed as planned in 2026, South Korea will become the 13th country in the world to possess an advanced fighter jet developed purely with domestic technology, advancing into a nation with strong air force capabilities.
We will also actively develop unmanned combat systems utilizing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as robots, drones, autonomous vehicles, and AI. We will deploy small reconnaissance robots, unmanned reconnaissance vehicles, unmanned submarines, underwater autonomous mine detection devices, reconnaissance drones, communication relay drones, and medium-to-large attack drones to replace soldiers in dangerous tasks such as reconnaissance and surveillance.
The government has submitted the 2021 defense budget to the National Assembly, reflecting 'Defense Reform 2.0' and the Defense Mid-term Plan.
The budget is approximately 52.9 trillion won, a 5.5% increase compared to this year. In particular, the defense research and development budget, which will be the foundation for building the future armed forces, was set at 4.25 trillion won, an 8.5% increase, and the budget for core technology development and various parts localization development support was increased by more than 50% compared to this year. The budget also includes securing domestically produced advanced weapon systems, responding to non-traditional threats such as infectious diseases, and fostering the domestic defense industry.
The state must fulfill its responsibility to the youth who quietly fulfill their military duties. Next year, the budget is set to raise the sergeant's salary to 608,500 won, and a group insurance system for soldiers will be introduced. The state's responsibility for diseases occurring during mandatory service has been strengthened, and medical support for severe and intractable diseases developed during service has been expanded. Laws and systems have been improved to allow applications for national merit and veterans' benefits during service, which were previously only possible after discharge. There will be no gaps in treating injuries sustained during service.
We will continue steady efforts to drastically improve service conditions, facilities, human rights issues, and military culture to meet the expectations of the new generation of soldiers. We will repay your dedication with unbreakable trust.
Respected citizens and soldiers,
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the victories at the Battles of Bongodong and Cheongsanri. Our independence army began the first great victory of the independence war and has continued armed struggle risking their lives every day, and the history of patriotic victory is continuously passed down to today's soldiers. There is no day or night in defending the country, and it cannot be entrusted to anyone else. Today, on the 72nd Armed Forces Day, we firmly pledge before the people to become a strong future armed forces that ensures the safety and peace of the homeland.
Only by establishing a strong security posture that no one can challenge with our own strength can we create, protect, and nurture peace. The government and military promise the people that they will further strengthen vigilance and readiness and respond firmly to any acts that threaten the lives and safety of the people.
We ask the people to continue to support our brave soldiers with greater trust and love.
Thank you.
For the first time in history, the 72nd Armed Forces Day ceremony is being held at the Army Special Warfare Command. I am very pleased to celebrate Armed Forces Day today with the special warfare soldiers and to present the future vision of our armed forces to the people. I encourage the soldiers who are still dedicating themselves on the frontlines of national security and world peace, as well as those deployed overseas, and express deep gratitude to veterans, reservists, United Nations veterans, and U.S. Forces Korea soldiers.
We must never forget that today's Republic of Korea was built upon the sacrifices of patriotic ancestors. I pay special respects to the spirits of those who defended the nation and their bereaved families, and especially pray for the eternal rest of the 478 special warfare heroes who died gloriously in the line of duty.
Dear citizens,
The Special Warfare Command represents the Republic of Korea's special forces. It is an honorable unit that inherits the tradition of the 8,240 guerrilla unit, also known as the Kello unit, who risked death without rank or serial number during the Korean War. Through harsh training that is more intense than actual combat, special warfare soldiers possess the confidence of one against a hundred, and the spirit of "make the impossible possible" not only leads to successful mission execution but also instills pride in the people.
Just as the roots of our armed forces lie in the Liberation Army, special warfare also began with the history of the Liberation Army. In April 1945, the Liberation Army's Eagle agents, driven by the desire for national liberation, began the 'Eagle Operation' together with the U.S. intelligence agency OSS. They underwent rigorous training and became 38 special warfare soldiers skilled in demolition, marksmanship, and mountain guerrilla tactics. Although the operation was not carried out due to Japan's surrender, the spirit of the Liberation Army, which planned to soar like an eagle as a foothold for liberation, is inherited in the hearts of today's special warfare units across all branches.
The Naval Special Warfare Group is a core force of the Cheonghae Unit and demonstrated the capabilities of South Korea's special forces worldwide through the 'Dawn of Aden Operation.' The Navy's Rescue Unit protects the lives and property of the people in extreme disaster and accident environments with the highest level of underwater operation capabilities in the entire military. The Air Force Pararescue is always ready to rescue fellow pilots under any adverse conditions, and the Air Traffic Controllers will be the first to infiltrate dangerous enemy territory to establish a foothold for smooth air operations.
From the Marine Corps Special Reconnaissance Unit, which serves as the eyes and ears of the landing forces, special warfare soldiers are strong, outstanding, and irreplaceable elite troops. In peacetime, they protect the lives and property of the people and are truly proud special warfare soldiers who complete any mission at the risk of their lives. The people will always feel reassured by them. As the supreme commander of the military and a senior comrade, I express deep trust and affection.
To the soldiers of the armed forces,
There is no distinction between front and rear in maintaining a firm security posture. This year, especially, you have worked hard to establish a special posture against new security threats such as COVID-19 and natural disasters. Through the 'Defense Rapid Support Group,' all military assets including personnel, facilities, and equipment were mobilized for quarantine efforts. In vulnerable areas, 32,000 troops pulled disinfectors and decontamination vehicles to carry out 'visiting quarantine support operations.' Masks and medical supplies were loaded onto Air Force transport planes and delivered to medical facilities nationwide and overseas Korean residents, and the Air Force safely escorted Koreans returning home. Our Army, Navy, and Air Force also led recovery efforts in flood-damaged areas hit by unusually long and severe monsoons and typhoons. Above all, I commend the best efforts made to prevent the spread of COVID-19 among soldiers. Our military responded excellently to quarantine with measures stronger than those of health authorities, and soldiers prioritized their comrades and the nation.
To all soldiers across the country who have been silently enduring and dedicating themselves until now, just before the great national holiday Chuseok, and to families enduring longing due to visitation and leave restrictions, I extend my consolation and encouragement.
Dear citizens,
Even in the face of the COVID-19 crisis, we trust in our comprehensive security capabilities that no one can challenge and focus on quarantine and the economy. Today, I arrived at this event escorted by advanced tactical drones and unmanned combat vehicles developed with our technology, using a domestically produced tactical command vehicle for the first time as a president. You must have fully witnessed the image of the 'future armed forces creating peace' in the sky above the venue, filled with the world's strongest large attack helicopters Apache and Black Hawk from the Navy and Air Force special warfare units, and the Korean medium-lift helicopter Surion.
The future armed forces must respond not only to traditional security threats but also to non-military threats such as infectious diseases like COVID-19, terrorism, and disasters. We must accelerate the realization of a digital strong military and smart defense to prepare for new concepts and forms of warfare that will emerge in the Fourth Industrial Revolution era. In August, the government announced the Defense Mid-term Plan to successfully complete 'Defense Reform 2.0.' Over five years from 2021 to 2025, 301 trillion won will be invested to build an 'innovative strong military that protects and creates peace.' The strong power of the future armed forces will be built on our scientific and technological capabilities.
This year, the Korea-U.S. missile guidelines were revised, lifting restrictions on warhead weight and allowing the use of solid fuel in space launch vehicles. Following the military-exclusive communication satellite ANASIS-II, we plan to develop the capability to launch reconnaissance satellites using solid space launch vehicles to monitor potential threats in real time. Missiles more accurate, powerful, and with longer range than the Army's current 800 km-range ballistic missiles and 1,000 km-range cruise missiles will protect our land.
The 30,000-ton class light aircraft carrier project, which will serve as a multipurpose military base to quickly respond to transnational and non-military threats occurring overseas, will officially begin next year. The light aircraft carrier, with nearly twice the transport capacity of existing large transport ships, and the submarine force with greatly enhanced armament and submersion capabilities will protect not only our seas but also maritime routes used by our citizens.
The domestically produced Boramae fighter prototype has entered the final assembly stage, and the cutting-edge AESA radar prototype, the 'eye of the fighter,' has been delivered and is preparing for system integration. If the Boramae development is completed as planned in 2026, South Korea will become the 13th country in the world to possess an advanced fighter jet developed purely with domestic technology, advancing into a nation with strong air force capabilities.
We will also actively develop unmanned combat systems utilizing Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies such as robots, drones, autonomous vehicles, and AI. We will deploy small reconnaissance robots, unmanned reconnaissance vehicles, unmanned submarines, underwater autonomous mine detection devices, reconnaissance drones, communication relay drones, and medium-to-large attack drones to replace soldiers in dangerous tasks such as reconnaissance and surveillance.
The government has submitted the 2021 defense budget to the National Assembly, reflecting 'Defense Reform 2.0' and the Defense Mid-term Plan.
The budget is approximately 52.9 trillion won, a 5.5% increase compared to this year. In particular, the defense research and development budget, which will be the foundation for building the future armed forces, was set at 4.25 trillion won, an 8.5% increase, and the budget for core technology development and various parts localization development support was increased by more than 50% compared to this year. The budget also includes securing domestically produced advanced weapon systems, responding to non-traditional threats such as infectious diseases, and fostering the domestic defense industry.
The state must fulfill its responsibility to the youth who quietly fulfill their military duties. Next year, the budget is set to raise the sergeant's salary to 608,500 won, and a group insurance system for soldiers will be introduced. The state's responsibility for diseases occurring during mandatory service has been strengthened, and medical support for severe and intractable diseases developed during service has been expanded. Laws and systems have been improved to allow applications for national merit and veterans' benefits during service, which were previously only possible after discharge. There will be no gaps in treating injuries sustained during service.
We will continue steady efforts to drastically improve service conditions, facilities, human rights issues, and military culture to meet the expectations of the new generation of soldiers. We will repay your dedication with unbreakable trust.
Respected citizens and soldiers,
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the victories at the Battles of Bongodong and Cheongsanri. Our independence army began the first great victory of the independence war and has continued armed struggle risking their lives every day, and the history of patriotic victory is continuously passed down to today's soldiers. There is no day or night in defending the country, and it cannot be entrusted to anyone else. Today, on the 72nd Armed Forces Day, we firmly pledge before the people to become a strong future armed forces that ensures the safety and peace of the homeland.
Only by establishing a strong security posture that no one can challenge with our own strength can we create, protect, and nurture peace. The government and military promise the people that they will further strengthen vigilance and readiness and respond firmly to any acts that threaten the lives and safety of the people.
We ask the people to continue to support our brave soldiers with greater trust and love.
Thank you.
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