Coast Guard to expand for Dokdo

South Korea’s Coast Guard said yesterday it plans to expand its presence in the East Sea (Sea of Japan) to better protect the country’s interests around the Dokdo islets and the exclusive economic zone. The plan submitted to the Ministry of Planning and Budget calls for 996 billion won ($1.03 billion) to be used by 2010 to increase the number of ships and airplanes operated by the Korean Coast Guard. The measures are primarily designed to counter the size of Japan’s Coast Guard.
South Korea’s coast guard currently has 22 ships with a displacement of over 1,000 tons and 39 vessels of the 250-500 ton class. It has one maritime patrol aircraft and 22 helicopters. If the funds are made available, the Coast Guard will build eight new ships with a displacement of 1,000 tons.
Japan’s coast guard has 54 ships over 1,000 tons and 62 ships with a displacement of 250-500 tons.