Page 134 - 2020 Defence White Paper

Furthermore, the MND will acquire UAV for reconnaissance, thermal observation
devices (TOD-III), and multi-functional observation devices to improve battlefield
visualization and day and night surveillance capabilities of each unit.
For command and control (C2) and communication forces, the MND will ensure
theater and joint command and control capabilities through improving the C4I 11)
systems of the joint forces and each service while facilitating the battlef eld situation
awareness down to the tactical units by establishing a C4I system for battalions and
below. Also, the MND will continue to secure high-speed, high-volume information
distribution capabilities and enhance interoperability during combined and joint
operations through upgrading joint tactical data links, air-to-ground communications
radios, and Link-16 .
12)
For the ground forces, the MND will strive for an early expansion of highly
powerful and ultra-precision ground-to-ground missile forces and counterfire
warfare capabilities and will reinforce armored and mechanized warfare and aviation
forces for conducting high-speed, deep maneuver warfare in preparation for North
Korean threats of nuclear weapons, missiles, and long-range artillery. Furthermore,
ground and air maneuverability will be reinforced to improve rapid response and
decisive operational execution, and the MND will establish a manned and unmanned

hybrid combat system to ensure the survival of combatants.
For the naval forces, the MND will acquire destroyers (KDX-III), frigates
(FFX), submarines (KSS-III), maritime patrol aircraft-II, and maritime operations
helicopters to prepare for potential threats from North Korea and maintain maritime
dominance around the Korean Peninsula, further enhancing the MND’s ability to
protect maritime rights and interests.
For the air forces, the MND will establish covert penetration and long-range
precision strike capabilities to be able to take the initiative in deterring and
responding to omnidirectional threats. To achieve air superiority in the operation
area, the MND will also continue to acquire next-generation f ghters (F -II), ROK’s
indigenous f ghters (KF- ), KF-16 upgrade, large transport aircraft, and all-weather
precision guided weapons.
11) For the defense forces, the MND will acquire multi-layered defense capabilities
Command, Control,
Communication, and such as ballistic and aircraft defense capabilities and long-range artillery interception
Computer Intelligence
capabilities, and gradually improve its Electro-Magnetic Pulse (EMP) and CBRN
12)
Digital tactical data links protection capabilities. Moreover, protective capabilities of individuals, facilities,
used between the ROK and
US Combined Forces and equipment will be reinforced to ensure survivability in the early stage of war.

2020 Defense White Paper