Pohang:The Navy is preparing to acquire a new maritime patrol aircraft to replace its aging P-3CK fleet, which is scheduled for retirement in 2030, according to a document submitted to a lawmaker.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Navy has put forward a proposal for a "maritime patrol aircraft-III program" to the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) in January. This document outlines the procurement needs and specifies the required capabilities as part of a formal acquisition procedure. The JCS is expected to decide on the approval of this acquisition plan by the end of the year.
The Navy has informed Rep. Yu Yong-weon of the People Power Party that it intends to deploy the new patrol aircraft in the early to mid-2030s. The P-3C variant maritime patrol aircraft currently serve as a crucial asset in the Navy’s surveillance and anti-submarine operations. Before the crash of a P-3CK in Pohang last May, the Navy operated 16 of these planes, comprising eight P-3Cs and eight P-3CKs.
Efforts are underway to resume the operation of the entire P-3 fleet, which was grounded after the crash. This includes eight P-3Cs and seven P-3CKs, with the latter set for decommissioning in 2030. The Navy has stated that it plans to manage its assets flexibly to prevent any potential capability gaps during the transition to the new aircraft.
The Navy has been advocating for this new procurement program since 2022, though the plan was revised following the crash last year.