Japan and South Korea strengthen their navies amid China’s naval expansion
Japan and South Korea are modernizing their naval forces amid China’s fleet buildup and North Korea’s missile programs. According to Breaking Defense, Beijing significantly surpasses other countries in the Pacific region in tonnage, the number of ships and capabilities being added to its fleet.
According to the BBC, citing the Center for Strategic and International Studies, China’s four largest shipyards built 39 warships with a combined displacement of 550,000 tonnes in 2019–2023. As of 2024, China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy had 332 combat ships, while the US Navy had 319.
Japanese missile defense ships
Japan’s largest project is two Aegis System Equipped Vessels designed for sea-based missile defense. They will be used together with other Japanese Aegis destroyers to protect the country’s airspace. The program was launched in 2020 after an attempt to deploy the Aegis Ashore system was canceled.
Each ship will have a displacement of about 14,000 tonnes, a Lockheed Martin SPY-7(V)1 radar and 128 Mk.41 vertical launch system cells. They will be able to use SM-2, SM-3 and SM-6 interceptors, Type 12 anti-ship missiles and Tomahawk cruise missiles. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is building the first ship, while Japan Marine United is building the second; they are planned to enter service in early 2028 and 2029, respectively.
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Japan has also commissioned one Taigei-class submarine into the Maritime Self-Defense Force each year since 2022, replacing older Oyashio-class boats. In addition, two Izumo-class helicopter carriers are being converted to operate F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing fighters. The Izumo modernization began in 2020 and is expected to be completed in late 2026 or early 2027; work on the Kaga is due to be completed in fiscal year 2027.
South Korea’s plans
South Korea plans to develop its own nuclear-powered submarines after US President Donald Trump agreed in May to allow Seoul to pursue such a program. South Korea’s defense ministry considers nuclear-powered attack submarines increasingly important because North Korea is developing its own nuclear submarine program to deploy submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
Seoul is also developing a new KDDX-class destroyer with a displacement of about 7,000 tonnes. The ships are planned to be equipped predominantly with domestic systems — a sensor suite, a combat management system, vertical launchers and missiles. At the same time, the propulsion system will be provided by GE Aerospace LM2500+G4 marine gas turbines. Hanwha Ocean will design and build the first KDDX, which is expected to enter service in 2032.
