The US Navy aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) sits anchored in
Split, Croatia, 29 March 2026. Photo by STRINGER / EPA
May 16 (Asia Today) -- The global naval balance is rapidly shifting away from ultra-expensive warships toward AI-enabled unmanned platforms designed for asymmetric, low-cost warfare, defense analysts say.
The warning signal emerged from Europe after Portugal launched what is being described as Europe's first dedicated drone carrier, raising new questions about whether South Korea's Navy is moving fast enough to adapt to future naval combat.
The vessel, named the NRP D. Joao II, was launched April 7 at a shipyard in Galati, Romania. The ship was ordered by the Portuguese Navy and designed and built by Dutch shipbuilder Damen Group.
