An opposition lawmaker has claimed that the Dokdo warship, the largest landing platform helicopter-6111, has critical defects in its near defense arms system. It was put into operation in 2007.

"When the close in weapons system (CIWS) equipped on the stern of the warship is fired, it could shoot helicopters on the deck depending upon firing angles," said Ahn Kyu-baik, a member of the National Assembly's defense committee, Friday. CIWS aims at countering the attack of jets or missiles by enemies.

"The Navy already got to know the defects when it drew up a report on the outcome of the warship's operation in May 2008. But it did not take any basic actions except that it moved helicopters under the deck," Re. Ahn claimed.

"The critical defects have come as the Navy did not take into account the loading of helicopters when the ship was designed at the outset," the lawmaker said.

"The Navy will have to maintain its top-level power, implemening measures fundamentally, such as change of the design." Dokdo is the sole aircraft carrier-class warship in South Korea, which will play a commanding role in landing operation in emergencies.