South Korea's budget ministry earmarks funds for three new Coast Guard patrol cutters
The Ministry of Planning and Budget approved financing for the Korea Coast Guard to add three 3,000-ton patrol cutters by 2030, allocating 51.2 billion won in the 2027 budget proposal.
South Korea's Ministry of Planning and Budget announced it will fund the Korea Coast Guard's expansion of its patrol cutter fleet, approving 51.2 billion won for the 2027 budget to support three new 3,000-ton vessels. This financing is part of a larger 366 billion-won project, with 43.9 billion won designated to complete an additional cutter, bringing the total number of 3,000-ton-class ships in the West Sea from 11 in 2025 to 17 by 2030.
The ministry highlighted the initiative as essential for safeguarding the nation's maritime sovereignty and enhancing response capabilities in the West Sea. Earlier, the ministry increased the Coast Guard's overall budget by 2.22 trillion won, a 6.7 percent rise, to bolster enforcement against illegal fishing and improve overall maritime security. Officials said the funding reflects the government's commitment to protecting safe seas and asserting maritime rights.
Why it matters
The funding expands South Korea's maritime patrol capacity, crucial for protecting territorial waters and deterring illegal activities.
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