[Defense Commentary] Decision on Large Transport Aircraft Model Within This Year

The second phase of the large transport aircraft project is set to proceed in earnest. On the 19th of this month, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced the commencement of the Air Force's large transport aircraft second phase project.

The large transport aircraft second phase project initially planned for seven units but was divided into four and three units due to budget constraints. In 2014, four C-130J-30 large transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin were introduced, and three more are scheduled for subsequent acquisition.

The Republic of Korea Air Force has been operating 12 C-130H large transport aircraft as its main transport aircraft, which were acquired between 1988 and 1990. The Air Force's operation of the C-130H transport aircraft is highly regarded for its excellent performance, facilitating overseas deployment, troop and equipment loading, and transport. The design lifespan of the C-130H is 40,000 hours, with the Air Force operating each aircraft for an average of 350 to 400 hours annually. Applying the design lifespan, the aircraft can be operated for up to 100 years.

According to the Air Force, the operational rate of the C-130J-30 has met the target since 2018. In contrast, the Airbus CN-235 transport aircraft, of which 20 are owned, can only transport small troops and light cargo, and its operational rate is declining due to a shortage of repair parts and spare engines. Given this operational status, a smooth decision on the large transport aircraft second phase project is required.

Meanwhile, at the same time, a requirement document for a long-term operation upgrade project for the 12 C-130H transport aircraft was submitted to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. The Air Force, as the requesting service, wishes to extend the lifespan while replacing the cockpit panels to the same level as the C-130J-30. This involves applying the digital glass cockpit specifications of the C-130J-30 transport aircraft.

The upgrade project is also scheduled to coincide with the large transport aircraft second phase project. Currently, there are 16 C-130 aircraft in service, and it is expected that increasing the fleet to 20 through the second phase project will maintain operational efficiency.

The acquisition cost for 16 C-130H/J transport aircraft amounted to 733 billion KRW, with an annual operation and maintenance cost of 41 billion KRW. The Air Force's latest large main transport aircraft, the C-130J-30, has been adopted by 22 countries including the United States and is operated by 26 units. In the first half of this year, production surpassed the 500th unit. Initiating follow-up acquisition and performance upgrade projects simultaneously will enable efficient force management in the future.

Considering performance, operation and maintenance, total lifecycle costs, and cost-effectiveness to suit the future operational environment of the owned transport aircraft, the decision to be made by the end of this year is crucial.

Monthly Defense Times, Editor-in-Chief An Seung-beom