DISPUTE OVER DEVELOPING AIRCRAFT CARRIERS

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​Countries surrounding the Korean Peninsula are locked in a fierce competition over aircraft carriers. China and Japan plan to deploy carriers with stealth aircraft by the mid-2020s, while the South Korean Navy has also made plans to introduce a light aircraft carrier. Seoul aims to begin design work from next year and have the vessel deployed by the early 2030s. But opinions are still sharply divided over whether owning a light carrier is necessary at all.

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An aircraft carrier can be described as a moving military base. Unlike air bases on the ground whose location is exposed, carriers can be used during contingencies to fly fighter jets on routes unpredictable to North Korea. The number of conflict areas involving Korea and neighboring nations is expected to grow in the coming years, such as the Dokdo islets, East Sea fishery grounds, maritime oil fields and Ieodo reef. This is why there have been calls for aircraft carriers. Supporters of the plan say carriers are a necessary asset considering North Korea and other potential threats. However because it takes a minimum of 10 years to achieve operational capability, the military believes the plan comes too late.

[Soundbite] WON IN-CHOUL(JOINT CHIEFS OF STAFF CHAIRMAN(SEP. 18, CONFIRMATION HEARING)) : "There is the need to secure operable maritime air power in the future security environment. Even if the project starts now, deployment is likely in the mid-2030s."

The key sticking point is cost. At least 2 trillion won is needed to construct a single carrier, and another 2.5 trillion to purchase 20 F-35B fighter jets that will go on the vessel. Some experts say at least 2 to 3 carriers are needed to rotate in missions as well as for repair and training reasons. All this increases cost.

[Soundbite] SHIN JONG-WOO(KOREA DEFENSE & SECURITY FORUM) : "Four destroyers defend a carrier strike group in all directions while a submarine and early warning aircraft also follow. The size of auxiliary assets is enormous."

Another problem is that considering the military power of neighboring countries, an aircraft carrier could become an expensive but easy target for torpedoes. Critics say a carrier is an excessive asset for dealings with North Korea and also lacks efficiency in addressing other potential threats. Whether South Korea needs to aim to becomes a Navy powerhouse at the cost of a huge bill still remains controversial. Talks on whether to introduce a light carrier now head to parliament. Rival party lawmakers will likely debate on the issue during this month's parliamentary audits and budget deliberations scheduled for later.