South Korea carries out inaugural launch of fixed-wing UAV from Dokdo class

A General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc Gray Eagle UAV taking off from the first Dokdo-class LPD, ROKS Dokdo . (Republic of Korea Navy)

South Korea has for the first time launched a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) from one of its Dokdo-class helicopter carriers.

This strengthens suppositions that the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) will eventually transition its Dokdo-class ships into sea-based carriers for medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs as well as helicopters.

In a 13 November post released on its official social media channel, the RoKN described the inaugural launch as part of ongoing efforts to introduce new technologies and concepts that can be applied in combat situations.

The UAV and its various support systems were loaded on the first-of-class ROKS Dokdo on 4 November, where it was eventually assembled in the days leading up to the inaugural flight on 12 November, said the RoKN.

Prior to its flight, the UAV was transported to the flight deck via the vessel's elevators, presumably to assess the ship's overall ability to handle operations associated with fixed-wing UAVs.

After it was launched, the UAV flew for about one hour over the Sea of Japan (East Sea) while maintaining communications with Dokdo .

Also carried out as part of the flight was a “mock landing operation” alongside Dokdo, which presumably refers to a flypast manoeuvre that assesses the UAV's ability to undertake final approach procedures with the carrier.

Subsequently, control of the UAV was handed over to the RoKN's naval air command unit in Pohang, South Korea, where it eventually landed.