President Yoon Suk Yeol stated on September 30 that the South Korean Navy will steadily secure key capabilities for independent defense, including nuclear-powered submarines and autonomous warships.
Speaking at the launch ceremony for the next-generation Aegis destroyer, the Daehwa Kim Jong-seo, held in Ulsan, President Yoon emphasized, "Our Navy has always stood with the people and the nation."
He noted, "Security that relies on others can be shaken if their circumstances change," highlighting the current realities. He added, "We must be able to defend ourselves to determine our own future, and independent defense is sovereignty."
The Daehwa Kim Jong-seo is the latest Aegis destroyer named after General Kim Jong-seo, known as the 'Tiger of Baekdusan,' who advanced to the Tumen River during the Sejong the Great era.
President Yoon reflected on the decision made 24 years ago to build Aegis ships domestically, noting that the first ship was the Sejong the Great, and today marks the culmination of that long journey with the Daehwa Kim Jong-seo.
He remarked, "There were times when we borrowed and purchased ships, but now South Korea has become a nation that designs, builds, and operates world-class warships on its own." He pledged to continue advancing toward achieving independent defense for South Korea, inspired by the determination embodied in the Daehwa Kim Jong-seo.
President Yoon also recalled former President Roh Moo-hyun, who attended the launch of the Navy's first Aegis ship, the Sejong the Great, at the same location 19 years ago. He shared that Roh had expressed difficulty reading his speech due to overwhelming emotions, saying, "I can somewhat understand that feeling today as I stand before this proud vessel that will firmly protect our seas."
The president expressed the government's commitment to supporting the shipbuilding industry. He noted that the domestic shipbuilding sector, which started from a sandy beach in Ulsan, has grown to construct LNG carriers and Aegis destroyers. He stated, "Our shipbuilding industry, boasting the world's top technology, is our pride and the driving force behind making South Korea a maritime power."
He promised to actively support the shipbuilding industry to maintain its competitive edge and elevate it further, ensuring it becomes a new growth engine that boosts both the national and local economies.
President Yoon emphasized the importance of research and development and export support for the defense industry. He pointed out that the Daehwa Kim Jong-seo is equipped with long-range detection radar, a weapon system capable of analyzing multiple targets, and integrated software, stating, "Such advanced vessels cannot be created with shipbuilding technology alone."
He added, "The defense industry has not only protected our security but has also become a key driver of the South Korean economy," pledging to expand the foundation for joint research and investment among the military, academia, and businesses. He also emphasized the need to streamline procedures for the rapid application of civilian advanced technologies in defense and to actively support defense exports and international cooperation.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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