South Korea changes course: drones at the centre of naval strategy

On 11 May 2025, the South Korean news agency Yonhap announced a significant breakthrough in South Korea's naval strategy: The Seoul government has decided to abandon the F-35B light aircraft carrier project in favour of a multi-role command ship designed for unmanned aircraft operations. This choice is a clear sign of how South Korean military priorities are evolving in the light of recent technological and tactical developments.

The new plan, supported by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN), reflects a broader reconsideration of how to deal with modern warfare. In particular, the decision is influenced by lessons learned from the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, where drones have assumed a crucial role in surveillance, attack and psychological disruption operations. It is therefore not surprising that South Korea decided to go for unmanned systems, recognising their advantages in terms of cost, versatility and less exposure to human risk.

This choice also implies a cultural and doctrinal change. For years, the idea of a South Korean aircraft carrier was seen as symbolic of the country's maritime power. However, as warfare scenarios evolve, investing in a more agile, resilient and technologically advanced fleet now seems a more forward-looking move.

Goodbye aircraft carrier, welcome multi-role command ship

The original project, known as Multipurpose Large Transport Ship-IIplanned to build a 30,000-tonne light aircraft carrier, 260 metres long and capable of carrying up to 20 F-35B short take-off and vertical landing fighters. The ambitious initiative had been promoted during the administration of President Moon Jae-in, but lost momentum under the new government of Yoon Suk-yeol, who was concerned about the high cost of the entire programme and its real strategic utility in the current context.

The new multi-role command ship (referred to as MPF, Multi-Purpose Flagship) will remain similar in size, but will be intended almost exclusively for the use of drones. In addition to combat and surveillance drones, the use of roving munitions, also known as suicide drones, is also planned. It will also be able to accommodate a limited number of conventional helicopters for transport or attack, but the operational focus will be on unmanned systems.

Financially speaking, the change is radical. The old plan envisaged a total expenditure of about 7 trillion won (over 4.7 billion euro), with about 2.5 trillion earmarked for shipbuilding and 4.5 trillion for the purchase of the F-35B. Each fighter jet, in fact, costs between 150 and 200 billion won. By relying on drones, the South Korean Navy expects to save a considerable part of the budget and also reduce maintenance and operating costs in the long run.

As a first concrete step, the government entrusted HD Hyundai Heavy Industries with a conceptual design study of the new command ship. The plan will be officially submitted to the Joint Chiefs of Staff by the end of the month, but will require further formal approval to replace the original aircraft carrier programme.

A model for the war of the future

South Korea's choice is part of an increasingly global trend that sees the use of drones as a cornerstone of the military strategy of the future. In many countries, armed forces are reorienting their doctrines towards cheaper, more flexible and less vulnerable systems capable of operating effectively in hostile and contested environments.

The South Korean command ship is set to become an example of how naval capabilities can be modernised without following the classic model of large aircraft carriers, which are increasingly vulnerable and expensive. Instead of projecting power through piloted fighters, the ROKN intends to dominate the maritime theatre through the strategic use of swarms of drones, capable of covering great distances, evading defence systems and operating with autonomy and precision.

In addition, the new doctrine reflects an increased focus on operational resilience. Drones can be produced, replaced and upgraded more easily than advanced fighters, and do not endanger the lives of pilots. In high-intensity warfare situations or asymmetric scenarios, these advantages become crucial.

With this decision, South Korea is not only adapting its armed forces to the challenges of the 21st century, but is also positioning itself as a pioneer in the transformation of naval warfare. A change that is likely to be observed and followed by many other maritime powers in the near future.

Source: https://armyrecognition.com/news/navy-news/2025/breaking-news-south-korea-prioritizes-drone-command-ship-over-aircraft-carrier-with-u-s-f-35b-fighter-jets