The Republic of Korea Navy has confirmed plans to pursue a 30,000-ton class "Korean MuM-T Carrier" (Manned-unmanned Teaming Carrier) that integrates manned and unmanned forces under unified command, instead of a light aircraft carrier focused on manned aircraft operations. The deployment timeline has been pushed back from the late 2030s to the early-to-mid 2040s.
The Navy has abandoned plans to equip a light aircraft carrier with dozens of F-35B fighters, originally set at 16 aircraft. Instead, it will construct a Korean manned-unmanned force command ship carrying dozens of combat UAVs, surveillance and reconnaissance/attack UAVs, and kamikaze UAVs, while commanding destroyers and submarines.
According to a Seoul Economic Daily investigation on the 9th, the Navy has decided through first, second, and third policy studies on the long-term aircraft carrier acquisition project to deploy a "Korean MuM-T Carrier" operating 28 UAVs for surveillance, reconnaissance, combat, and kamikaze missions instead of a light aircraft carrier with 16 F-35Bs.
The deployment target has been set for the early-to-mid 2040s rather than the original late 2030s plan. The vessel is designed with 38,000-ton displacement, dimensions of 270×60 meters, and capacity for approximately 700-800 personnel including crew members and UAV operators.
In addition to UAVs, the carrier will be equipped with amphibious assault helicopters and attack helicopters for projecting Marine Corps forces ashore. Similar to the Dokdo-class large transport ship, a well deck will be added to accommodate and launch reconnaissance and mine warfare unmanned surface vessels and high-speed landing craft.
Construction costs are estimated at approximately 3 trillion won ($2.2 billion), with design and construction requiring at least 11 years. The project aims to begin in the early 2030s and achieve deployment by the early-to-mid 2040s. Personnel for manned-unmanned force operations will be secured through measures including unmanning radar bases and transitioning guard forces to civilian contractors.
Deployment Delayed from Late 2030s to Early-to-Mid 2040s
