Page 133 - 2020 Defence White Paper

Section

3 Force Enhancement Based on
Jointness

In order to establish a strong defense posture against omnidirectional security threats,
the ROK Armed Forces is promoting force enhancement based on jointness. In
particular, their core forces are being expanded to respond to omnidirectional threats,
including North Korean nuclear and WMD threats. The ROK Armed Forces is also
supporting force enhancement through the defense force enhancement project. Chapter 4

1. Basic Direction of Force Enhancement and Major Force
Enhancement Projects

Basic Direction of Force In order to build forces that can effectively respond
Enhancement to omnidirectional security threats, the MND is
reinforcing its key military capabilities, focusing on
crucial military capabilities including strategic deterrence, operational response, and
comprehensive response capabilities. First and foremost, in preparation for potential
threats especially those from North Korea, the MND will prioritize building base

forces including surveillance and reconnaissance, command and control (C2) and
communication systems led by the ROK Armed Forces; establishing strategic
deterrence capabilities including counter-nuclear and WMD forces; and acquiring
operational response capabilities to repel external military provocations at an early
stage and achieve complete victory during contingencies by reinforcing essential
forces for each battlefield function required for military restructuring. The ROK
Armed Forces’ ability to respond to nonmilitary threats such as cyber and space
threats, terrorism, and disasters will be further enhanced and the ability to protect
national interests, including protection for overseas Korean nationals, will be
secured.
At the level of battlefield functions, the battlefield recognition forces will gradually
acquire military reconnaissance satellites, multipurpose satellites, medium-altitude
reconnaissance UAV, and multi-source video convergence systems to reinforce
the surveillance capabilities over the Korean peninsula and areas of interest.

Chapter 4. Building an Innovative Force by Promoting Strong Defense Reform 131