The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has presented two new proposals to the Ministry of National Defense (MND) in a bid to revive its stalled aircraft carrier program, according to South Korean broadcaster SBS.
In mid-April, the Navy reportedly briefed the MND on a new concept: converting the existing aircraft carrier project into a drone carrier initiative. One proposal involves adapting the original aircraft carrier design to support drones, while the other suggests modifying the existing Dokdo-class amphibious assault ship to serve a similar role.
The defense firms HD Hyundai and Hanwha Ocean have been tasked with conducting preliminary research for each respective concept. HD Hyundai is expected to explore the drone carrier based on the aircraft carrier design, while Hanwha Ocean will study the feasibility of altering the Dokdo-class platform.
While both proposals are currently under review by the Navy, the MND has only been briefed on the first—transforming the aircraft carrier project into a drone carrier—according to No Cut News. Navy officials, however, emphasized that both proposals are being seriously considered and are part of separate programs.
“The third amphibious assault ship program is part of our original plan to acquire amphibious vessels. The aircraft carrier program is a separate program,” a Navy source told No Cut News, underscoring that the proposals are not in competition but will be pursued in parallel.
The renewed interest in drone carriers comes amid a growing global focus on unmanned naval aviation. Earlier this year, the Iranian Navy drew attention with the launch of the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, a drone carrier. Other countries including China, Portugal, and the United Kingdom are also exploring similar platforms.
South Korea has already begun testing drone operations from naval ships. In November 2024, the ROKN successfully launched a U.S.-made Mojave drone from the deck of the ROKS Dokdo. Although the drone could not land back on the ship due to its narrow deck width and instead landed onshore, the test highlighted the operational promise of drone-equipped naval platforms.
“The operational effectiveness of using drones has been proven by this test. We now need to review how the drones will operate from carriers,” said Admiral Yang Yong-mo, the Navy’s Chief of Naval Operations, following the test.
Despite the enthusiasm, some experts remain cautious. Critics argue that further study is needed to determine the strategic role a drone carrier would play in a conflict on the Korean Peninsula. They warn that without clear operational objectives, the viability of such vessels remains uncertain.
