South Korea to build their first F-35B-capable light aircraft carrier

The latest CGI of the LPX-II light aircraft carrier for the ROKN. Photo c/o ROKN.

The South Korean Ministry of Defense (MOD) confirmed earlier speculations that the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) will be having its first light aircraft carrier after deciding to change the design of their LPX-II amphibious assault ship program.

The LPX-II will now be different to the earlier LPX program, which eventually became the Dokdo-class landing helicopter dock (LHD), as the LPX-II will not have amphibious support capabilities and will focus purely on air operations.

The design will be designated as the flagship of the ROKN’s Mobile Force, and will be focused on operating the Lockheed Martin F-35B Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter, which are short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) capable, as well as transport and attack helicopters.

South Korean naval shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) was awarded a contract in 2019 to design, with the conceptual design expected to be released by late this year.

It is expected to have a displacement of around 30,000 tons, and reach up to 40,000 tons at full load. The program is also planned for immediate implementation, with the program expected to be completed before the end of the decade.

The F-35Bs will be acquired separately and operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), with 20 units planned on top of the conventional F-35A variants already on order.

The decision to acquire an aircraft carrier signals the ROKN’s intention to operate further from home, and expand its reach to as far as the Indian Ocean.


[1] Naval News
[2] The Drive
[3] CNN World News