The Ministry of National Defense estimates that the country’s defense operations will require about 199.6 trillion won ($177.3 billion) for the 2013 to 2017 period.

The figure is 13.3 trillion won larger than that estimated in the mid-term defense plans for the period between 2012 and 2016.

The change was included in the 2013 to 2016 mid-term defense plans reported to the National Assembly on Wednesday.

Of the total, about 33.3 percent of the estimated budget will be directed to improving the military’s operational capabilities.

Projects in the category include improving the combat capabilities of front line units, and establishing a C4I system for South Korean and U.S. forces in Korea, and improving related capabilities of each branch of the armed forces.

C4I is a comprehensive system for overseeing command, control, communications, computers and intelligence activities.

The ministry said the estimated budget had been increased by 2.7 trillion won at Tuesday’s Defense Program Execution Committee meeting. The extra funds will be injected into a number of projects including improving the capabilities of reconnaissance drones, securing mid-range guided bombs and strategic guided weapons, and establishing new command facilities for corps-level units.

Regarding the irregularity in the timing of the changes, the ministry said that the modifications have been in the works for some time and that they are designed to better protect South Korea from North Korean military’s asymmetric warfare capabilities.

Under the regulations, decisions made by the Defense Program Execution Committee needs to be first reported to the president before the National Assembly.

“The military’s capabilities for responding to asymmetric elements were recently reviewed, and necessary components (for improving South Korean military’s abilities to respond) were analyzed,” a Defense Ministry official said.

“Between the Defense Program Execution Committee meeting in April and on Aug. 24 report to the president, there were many security issues such as North Korea mentioning military strikes against Cheong Wa Dae. The plans were modified to reflect these factors.”

By Choi He-suk  (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)