South Korea delineates need for new MPAs
Already operating a fleet of 16 Lockheed P-3C and P-3CK Orion platforms, South Korea is hunting for newer-generation maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) from overseas sources in order to rapidly fill a capability gap.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) confirmed this on 7 February, saying aircraft capable of anti-submarine warfare are required by the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN).
DAPA said in its statement: ‘With the introduction of the maritime patrol aircraft, the maritime and underwater surveillance capabilities will be greatly improved and countermeasures against submarines equipped with submarine-launched ballistic missiles will be reinforced.’
Seoul is extremely concerned about North
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