[ National Interest ] South Korea Now Has a Second Mini-Aircraft Carrier
This new warship is also expected to serve as a “de facto” prototype that could contribute to the development of its light aircraft program.
The flattop was designed by Hanjin Heavy Industries (HHIC), and can be utilized in amphibious assaults but also in military operations other than war (MOOTW), which can include disaster relief, promoting peace and supporting civil authorities in response to domestic crises. The warship had been launched in May 2018 and began sea trials last year.
Marado, which features an improved design that came from experiences learned during operations with Dokdo, is 200 meters long, has a beam of 31 meters and a draft of 6.6 meters. The ship has a crew complement of just 330 sailors, but is also capable of carrying upwards of 720 marines, six main battle tanks, seven Korea Amphibious Assault Vehicles (KAAVs), a pair of Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) vehicles and as many as a dozen helicopters. The flight deck is marked with five numbered landing spots on the port side, as well as two additional spots behind the island unit.
The newly commissioned warship also features a reinforced flight deck—with the material changed from high-tensile to ultrahigh-tensile steel—which can allow it to conduct operations with the U.S. Marine Corps’ MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. This could even allow the warship to serve as a base for rear support to the U.S. Marines, including fuel, ammunition and notably food, in the event of a conflict between the United States and China around Taiwan or near/on the Korean Peninsula.
According to Naval News, the new South Korean amphibious assault ship is armed with four KVLS cells that can launch a total of sixteen K-SAAM (surface-to-air missiles) Sea Bow, and two Phalanx Block 1Bs close-in weapon systems (CIWS). She is also equipped with a K-Dagaie NG decoy launching systems with new-generation decoys (SEALEM and SEALIR) by Lacroix. Key components and equipment for propellers and elevators have also been localized, while the warship was constructed with improved anti-air and flight systems.