Between the late 1980s to early 1990's South Korea would experience drastic changes from within and outside the country. In 1987, the country's political system would historically transition from a military dictatorship to a democratic government. The early 1990s would also see Germany reunified, the collapse of the Soviet Union and the subsequent end to the Cold War. As the threat of the Soviet military began to wane (and later end) the US began another phase of reduction of its military presence in East Asia. In response the newly elected President Roh Tae-woo would implement new rounds of military reforms called the "August 18 Plan" or "818 Plan" on August 18, 1988. The plan aims to further reduce South Korea's military dependence on the United States by further increasing self-reliance; "Koreanization of Korean defense" as Rho puts it. The defense industry would find itself reinvigorated as part of the "818 Plan" includes restructuring the military and procuring new weapons. The plan desired the military to possess a balanced mix of highly advanced (albeit expensive) weapons and moderately priced conventional weapons. In addition, the air force and navy would increase and strengthen its assets to fill the gap the US military would leave behind.