On July 15, the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) announced the formation of the Naval Air Command to perform Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations. The navy handed over command of its air element to the newly formed unit. The Naval Air Command will be based on the ROKN's 6th Air Wing, which a Junjang or single-star rear admiral commanded. The new unit, however, will be led by a Sojang or two-star rear admiral.
On the morning of July 15, the ROK Navy held a ceremony at the Pohang Air Base to mark the establishment of the Naval Aviation Command. Chief of Naval Staff Lee Jong-ho and other notable attendees pose for a commemorative photograph. Enhancing the ROKN"s ASW capabilities has been one of its primary goals in recent years.
The formation of the Naval Air Command, which will include several newly acquired ASW platforms and other air units such as anti-mine helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles, is expected to facilitate this.
The Naval Air Command will receive six P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) beginning in 2023. In addition, the aircraft has a top speed of 907 km/h, a range of 7,500 km, and a combat radius of 2,200 km. They can also carry Harpoon missiles and torpedoes.
