South Korea could invest 3 trillion won or approximately $2.7 billion in buying 20 vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) jets, most likely the U.S.-made F-35B, for its planned aircraft carrier.
Seoul wants to build a 30,000 ton-class light aircraft carrier by 2033. Following the government’s approval in February to push for the project, a feasibility study is under way. Around 2 trillion won ($1.8 billion) is expected to be spent over ten years in building the ship, Yonhap News Agency reported citing Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) today.
The only fighter that has VTOL capability – or the ability to hover, take off, and land vertically – is the Lockheed F-35B jet. Seoul has so far not requested to buy F-35B jets specifically. It has however begun procedures to acquire approximately 20 VTOL jets for light carrier operations.
- The envisioned aircraft carrier is likely to be equipped with a conventional engine or a hybrid electric propulsion system. It will be the third landing platform helicopter ship the country will deploy, after the Dokdo and Marado ships.