Page 167 - 2018 Defense White Paper

natural disasters, as well as strengthening the capacity of the domestic defense industry, and

defense science and technology capabilities. Specif ic plans are as follows.
First, KRW 32.3 trillion is allocated to acquire core forces to cope with nuclear and WMD
threats. To acquire capabilities to strike strategic targets, the MND will enhance surveillance and

long-range strike capabilities by procuring military reconnaissance satellites, reconnaissance
UAVs, long-range Air-to-Ground Missiles (AGMs), and F-35As. To establish the KAMD
system, it will continuously strengthen ballistic missile detection capabilities and capabilities

to defend key facilities by procuring additional ballistic missile early warning radars and
upgrading Patriot missiles. Overwhelming response capabilities will also be obtained through
the reinforcement of missile forces.

Second, KRW 33.4 trillion is allocated to the securing of forces necessary for the reorganization
of the military structure and wartime OPCON transition for the ROK’s leadership in combined
defense. About KRW 4.5 trillion is allocated to reinforce counterf ire warfare execution
capabilities, precision-guided weapons, and communication capabilities for the acquisition of Chapter 4

key military capabilities related to wartime OPCON transition. With KRW 28.9 trillion allocated
to the essential forces of dif ferent battlef ield functions for the reorganization of the military

structure, division-level reconnaissance UAVs, wheeled armored vehicles, and aerial refueling
tankers will be procured to enhance battlef ield recognition capabilities and maneuverability
capabilities.
Third, KRW 900 billion is allocated to respond to growing nonmilitary threats. This will be

spent to procure folding guns for firing around the corner, night vision binocular devices, and
robots for detecting and removing explosives to improve anti-terrorism units’ special strike
capabilities, daytime and nighttime surveillance capabilities, and remote explosives detection

and removal capabilities. The planned f ielding of medical evacuation helicopters and an
amphibious transport ship is expected to strengthen capabilities to carry out relief activities and
the protection of ROK nationals residing abroad in the event of a natural disaster.

Lastly, KRW 21.9 trillion is allocated to carry out defense R&D and invigorate the defense
industry. It is expected to back up the national defense science and technology promotion
polic ies so that the share of defense R&D in the defense budget increases to an annual average

of 8.1%. Heavy investment will be made into the restructuring of R&D institutions and the
reinforcement of relevant infrastructure under the objective of developing weapons systems and
technologies that lead the Fourth Industrial Revolution and ensure creative R&D. The share of

Section 6 Securing an Adequate Defense Budget and Enhancing the Efficiency of Defense Budget Management 165