[Llarry]

The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) is an entirely different deal than the NK Navy. The ROKN is a modern, state-of-the-art Navy with a well-balanced force of ships and aircraft and is likely more than capable of dealing with the North Korean Navy in any confrontation. The problem, of course, is that if an NK missile submarine becomes operational, might they get off a missile or two before being hunted down and sunk? And if the missiles have nuclear warheads, disaster looms. The South Korean capital is one of the largest cities in the world; a single warhead could potentially kill millions of people.

The most capable warships in the S. Korean Navy are the AEGIS destroyers, which are a modified/slightly enlarged version of the U.S. Navy type. The destroyers are backed up by smaller missile frigates and the ROKN has missle patrol boats as well.

The ROKN submarine force is much fewer in numbers than the NK's but includes excellent boats with air-independent propulsion, as well as conventional Diesel-electric boats.

The S. Koreans also have a sizeable Marine Corps, as well as a variety of amphibious warfare ships. The most impressive are the Dokdo helicopter carriers. They also have air-cushion assault craft.

The ROKN has a variety of support ships, including replenishment ships for sustained operations at sea.

Finally, the ROKN has its own air arm, including P-3C and new P-8A maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters for ASW and amphibious assault.