[2027 Budget Plan] Defense Budget Surpasses 70 Trillion Won... Nuclear Submarine Funded for the First Time

On the 13th, U.S. soldiers conducted combat training after disembarking from armored vehicles during a joint training exercise by the Amitiger Demonstration Brigade at the Mugun-ri training center in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Next year's national defense budget has surpassed 70 trillion won, reaching 73.2777 trillion won, an 8.2% increase from the previous year. This is the highest growth rate since 2008 (8.7%). The budget is largely focused on securing weapon systems necessary for the transition of wartime operational control (OPCON), with the first-ever allocation for the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine.

To counter North Korea's nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) threats and to acquire operational capability for the transition of wartime operational control, a total of 21.3 trillion won has been allocated for the Korean three-axis system. This three-axis system consists of the Kill Chain for preemptive strikes, the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) system, and the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR).

Specifically, 100 billion won has been earmarked for the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine. The government is pursuing the basic plan for developing a nuclear-powered submarine (Jangbogo N Project), with the goal of launching the first submarine in the mid-2030s. To strengthen the Air Force's capabilities with the indigenous KF-21 Boramae fighter jet, 3.3 trillion won has also been allocated. The Air Force plans to retire the F-5 fighter jets as it begins operating the KF-21 from this year. Approximately 10 KF-21 jets are set to be deployed this year, 30 in 2028, 40 in 2030, and another 40 in 2032, for a total of about 120 aircraft.

In addition, South Korea's military will increase its munitions inventory. A budget of 550.4 billion won will be provided to secure the required number of 230mm unguided rockets for the Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system. For the transition of wartime operational control, the U.S. Forces Korea's multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) should be replaced with the Chunmoo's guided and unguided rockets, and the Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) should be replaced with the Hyunmoo-II missile. Currently, the military's munitions rates stand at just 73% for Chunmoo guided rockets, 74% for FASCAM scatterable mines, and 81% for 155mm high-explosive shells. To reinforce the KMPR, 24 types of infiltration equipment for special forces will also be secured with a budget of 134.8 billion won.

Additionally, starting next year, the government will begin supporting savings plans for short-term non-commissioned officers. With a budget of 18.9 billion won, 300,000 won will be provided monthly for 36 months. Compensation for veterans will be increased by 5%, and the monthly honorarium for combat veterans will rise by 50,000 won to 540,000 won.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.