LPH 6111 Dokdo (ROKN Site)

Very similar in appearance to the larger US Wasp Class, the South Korean developement is an apparent direct response to the PLAN buildup in the area, and also to the Japanese development of the Osumi Class, and the follow on Japanese helo-carriers, the Hyuga class.

The ships are modern, command and control capable, and self-defense capable vessels with one 21 cell RAM launcher and two 30mm goal keeper CIWS.

In an apparent escalation in the long standing dispute between the two nations over Dokdo Island, the South Koreans answered their own patriotic fervor by naming the vessel after that very island, an act that was taken as an insult by the Japanese.

Able to handle over 700 troops, modern air cushioned craft, or landing craft in its large well deck, and 16 modern helicopters (including up to 10 CH-60 helos) on its deck and in its hangar spaces, the Dokdo could, with very little modification, also embark VSTOL aircraft.

Although the South Koreans insist they do not plan to do so, the Japanese are apparently answering the challenge by developing their new class of helicopter destroyer, the new Hyuga, which clearly, also with little modification, could be readied to carry VSTOL aircraft as well.