Busan: A P-8A maritime patrol aircraft, accompanied by two F-15K fighter jets, soared over the waters off Busan, releasing 80 flares into the sea. This aerial display marked the start of the first fleet review in seven years, celebrating the 80th anniversary of the South Korean Navy, the country's oldest military branch.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the event featured advanced naval assets, including an 8,200-ton Aegis destroyer and a locally developed 3,000-ton submarine. The Jeongjo the Great destroyer, a key element of South Korea's maritime three-axis deterrence system, served as the command ship. The fleet review included 30 warships, 18 aircraft, and showcased unmanned systems like the V-BAT drone and an unmanned surface vehicle.
The event concluded with a demonstration of an anti-submarine operation involving the P-8A, an MH-60R Seahawk helicopter, and a Lynx helicopter, simulating enemy threats. Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, together with Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Kang Dong-gil, emphasized the significance of maritime capabilities for South Korea's export-driven economy, noting that maritime security is vital for national survival.
Minister Ahn highlighted the Navy's evolution into a formidable global force, equipped with advanced maneuvering assets including surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. He stressed the necessity of integrating manned and unmanned systems in maritime operations, addressing the challenges of implementing these technologies at sea.
The fleet review, the sixth since the Navy's inception in November 1945, aimed to engage the public and underscore the importance of maritime security. Initially planned for May, the event was postponed due to political unrest following former President Yoon Suk Yeol's failed attempt to impose martial law. Consequently, the review was scaled down to a domestic event without foreign warship participation. The last international fleet review occurred in 2018 near Jeju Island.