국제 안보환경 변화와 한국의 전략적 항공수송능력 발전방향

Abstract

Continuing regional conflicts, lingering terrorism, and such natural disasters as earthquakes continues to pose increasing human security threat to the international community of today. Collective efforts to tackle these trans-national challenges have brought about increasing frequency of international cooperation activities among the UN member states. Against this backdrop, peace keeping operations and disaster relief operations as a nation’s public diplomacy have attracted attention in enhancing the nation’s international standing and diplomatic influence. The Korean Air Force has thus begun to proactively take part in international security cooperation activities worldwide, providing its air transportation assets in an effort to reciprocate the UN’s assistance during the Korean War. In the context of changing air operations doctrine, strategic airlift capabilities means more than simply having larger air transportation equipments for overseas humanitarian operation. As air power comprises the critical element of modern warfare, greater airlift capabilities enable the military to strengthen its war deterrence on the Korean Peninsula and war fighting capabilities as well. Along with the increasing strategic and tactical effectiveness of swift and timely airborne logistic support in the future battle space, strategic air transportation is critical for a victorious war fighting. Now is the time for South Korea to seriously consider procuring large strategic transport planes in an effort to adapt to the changing international security environment. Considering the needs for transporting personnel and material out of East Asia, the first procurement model should include C-17 Global Master. The strengthened airlift capabilities, when realized, will contribute to promoting Korea international prestige as a faithful supporter for peace and also to augmenting allied airlift capabilities in Korea.