[Defense Commentary] The Light Aircraft Carrier Project Must Not Be Swayed by a Gentle Breeze.

[Park Ki-kyung, Former Commander of Naval Operations (Retired Vice Admiral)] The introduction project of the light aircraft carrier seems to be delayed despite the Navy's relentless efforts. During this year's National Assembly budget review process, the budget for the light aircraft carrier was drastically cut to 500 million KRW.

Last year, an unexpected result emerged during the National Assembly budget review process with only 100 million KRW allocated, but over the past year, the Navy has devoted all its capabilities to building public consensus and fostering understanding regarding the introduction of the light aircraft carrier. However, the current 500 million KRW budget for the light aircraft carrier is reflected as indirect costs, such as visits and inspections of foreign specialized companies related to securing core technologies and the establishment of domestic and international technological infrastructure, making delays in the commencement of basic design inevitable.

Recently, neighboring countries have been strengthening their aircraft carrier capabilities. China currently operates two aircraft carriers and plans to introduce six additional carriers. Japan is also working on converting two large escort ships into light aircraft carriers capable of carrying vertical takeoff and landing fighter jets. To establish a comprehensive and stable future security posture amid uncertainties, our country must also introduce aircraft carriers, a core advanced force essential for the battlefield, as soon as possible.

Over the past year, the Navy has carefully reconsidered and realigned the course to ensure the light aircraft carrier project proceeds in the right direction. The allocation of 100 million KRW by the National Assembly and the research conducted by the International Political Science Association concluded that a light aircraft carrier is necessary for the Republic of Korea.

However, this recent budget cut is a regrettable outcome for the Navy, which has completed all preparations and is fully equipped to introduce core forces capable of countering future security threats.

The clear fact is that the introduction of a light aircraft carrier does not merely signify an enhancement of naval power. The light aircraft carrier is a symbol of strong combat power that can dramatically improve national defense capabilities beyond the Navy. It serves as a key joint force asset that significantly contributes to establishing an all-encompassing security posture against North Korea, potential threats, and non-military threats alike.

Even though realistic conditions may be somewhat limited, the light aircraft carrier project must be pursued without interruption to prepare for uncertain and unstable future security situations. The light aircraft carrier is truly a game changer that will determine the future battlefield environment.

The Navy should cooperate with related agencies such as the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, recognizing that the budget reflected this time is only a part of the light aircraft carrier project process. Efforts must be made to strengthen solid reasoning for the necessity of the light aircraft carrier and to establish core technological infrastructure to create an unwavering environment for project advancement.

We eagerly await the day when the light aircraft carrier project sails smoothly and, by the mid-2030s, proudly flies the Taegeukgi while patrolling the area of responsibility and the oceans.