The South Korean Navy is reportedly shifting its focus from developing a light aircraft carrier to a next-generation multi-role command ship centered on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The decision was first reported by Yonhap News, citing a new plan presented to the Defense Committee of the South Korean Parliament. The move marks a strategic departure from the country’s earlier ambitions under the CVX-class carrier program and is expected to reduce costs while embracing emerging trends in naval warfare significantly.
The project originated in October 2019 when Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) was awarded a contract to build a new amphibious assault ship, slightly larger than the existing Dokdo-class Landing Platform Helicopter (LPH) vessels.
In South Korea’s 2021–2025 mid-term defense plan, this evolved into the Multipurpose Large Transport Ship-II (LPX-II), a 30,000-ton light aircraft carrier concept designed to operate short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter jets, such as the Lockheed Martin F-35B. This initiative later became formally known as the CVX-class.
The envisioned CVX-class carrier was to be 260 meters long and 40 meters wide, with an expected entry into service by 2033. In August 2020, South Korea initiated procurement procedures for STOVL aircraft, with strong indications that the F-35B was the preferred option. The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) already operates 40 F-35As under a $6.5 billion deal, with deliveries completed by 2021.
South Korea rethinks naval strategy
However, faced with mounting costs and shifting defense priorities, the project was suspended, with the South Korean Ministry of National Defense now exploring a more flexible and cost-effective alternative.
The revised concept involves a multi-purpose command ship capable of operating dozens of combat, surveillance, and reconnaissance UAVs, as well as utility and attack helicopters. South Korean defense authorities have not yet specified which drone platforms the new command ship will operate, though they would include loitering munition, colloquially known as “kamikaze drones.”
In addition to strike missions and amphibious operations, the platform would also support maritime security and disaster relief efforts.
The total CVX-class project cost was estimated at 7 trillion won (approximately $5.1 billion), including 2.5 trillion won (approx. $1.8 billion) for the ship itself and an additional 150 to 200 billion won (approximately $110 to 145 million) per F-35B for a planned fleet of 20 aircraft. Switching from carrier-based fighters to unmanned systems is expected to save several trillion won.
While the new command ship will not launch fixed-wing fighters, it is expected to be similar in size to the originally planned CVX-class carrier, retaining South Korea’s ambition for an expeditionary, future-proof naval capability, but with a stronger emphasis on autonomous operations.
A South Korean official quoted by Yonhap said the decision reflects efforts to “take into account the future of naval warfare and the contribution of artificial intelligence to unmanned systems.” HHI has already been commissioned to carry out a design study for the new vessel.
South Korea’s planned shift echoes Turkey’s experience with the TCG Anadolu, initially designed to carry F-35B fighters before Ankara was ejected from the Joint Strike Fighter program over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. The ship was reconfigured as a drone carrier, now set to operate indigenous UCAVs like the Bayraktar TB3 and Kızılelma. It can also accommodate up to 30 helicopters, including the future TAI T929 ATAK 2.
