A modernization plan launched two decades ago will see South Korea build its first true aircraft carrier to fulfill its aim of become a true global, or blue water, navy.

Technically, the new aircraft carrier designated, "LPH-II," is an amphibious assault ship similar to the America-class landing helicopter assault warships of the U.S. Navy. The America-class is now being used as a small aircraft carrier deploying fixed-wing and rotary-wing combat squadrons.

South Korea's Ministry of National Defense said the LPH-II will displace some 30,000 tons. At this tonnage, she will be twice as large compared to the South Korea Navy's Dokdo, the lead ship of the Dokdo-class Landing Platform Helicopter amphibious assault ships. The first LPH-II is expected to enter service by 2026. One more Dokdo-class LPH is building while three more are planned.

LPH-II, however, will be lighter than the America-class (45,000 tons), of which two are operational: USS America and USS Tripoli.

The America-class can carry from 20 to 25 Lockheed Martin F-35B vertical-landing stealth fighters, or Boeing AV-8B Harrier II vertical take-off and landing jump jets. It also has a complement of multipurpose helicopters such as the Sikorsky MH-60 Seahawk. 

The America-class can transport and deploy a Marine Expeditionary Unit using helicopters and MV-22B Osprey transport aircraft. It's unclear how many men of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps an LPH-II can carry.

In July, the South Korean government announced its intent to buy at least 20 F-35B stealth fighters from Lockheed Martin for the squadron to deploy aboard the first LPH-II carrier. A single F-35B costs about $122 million.

Apart from counterattacking a North Korean invasion, the LPH-II class is expected to complete the transformation of the South Korea Navy into a blue water navy capable of projecting South Korean military power and protecting its interests anywhere in the world.

South Korea revealed its commitment to build the LPH-II class in its national plan for 2021-2025 released a few days ago.

"The 30,000-ton level aircraft carrier can transport military forces, equipment and materials and can operate fighter jets that are capable of vertical take-off and landing," said the defense ministry.

The ministry said the new carrier will enable the South Korean military "to more effectively suppress threats and dispatch forces and materials to a disputed region in the sea by playing a role of a controlling vessel for the navy unit."