President Lee Jae-myung stated on September 30 that the South Korean Navy will steadily secure key self-defense capabilities, including nuclear-powered submarines and advanced manned and unmanned warships.
Speaking at the launch ceremony of the next-generation Aegis destroyer, the Daehwa Kim Jong-seo, in Ulsan, President Lee 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 self-defense is sovereignty."
The Daehwa Kim Jong-seo is the latest Aegis destroyer named after General Kim Jong-seo, known as the 'Baekdusan Tiger,' who advanced to the Tumen River during the Sejong the Great era.
President Lee remarked, "It was 24 years ago that we decided to build Aegis ships ourselves. The first ship was the Sejongdaewang, and today, the Daehwa Kim Jong-seo marks the conclusion of that long journey."
He reflected on the past, saying, "There were times when we borrowed and bought ships, but now South Korea has become a nation that designs, builds, and operates world-class warships on its own." He pledged to continue striving for self-defense in South Korea, inspired by the determination embodied in the Daehwa Kim Jong-seo.
President Lee also recalled former President Roh Moo-hyun, who attended the launch of the Navy's first Aegis ship, the Sejongdaewang, 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 world-class technology, is our pride and the driving force behind South Korea as 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 Lee emphasized the importance of research and development and export support for the defense industry. He highlighted 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, "We cannot create such advanced vessels 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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