US Forces Korea yesterday launched a new space force unit, as Washington and Seoul ramp up efforts to better counter North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats.
US Space Forces Korea is the second overseas space component of the US Space Force, and is tasked with monitoring, detecting and tracking incoming missiles, as well as bolstering the US military’s overall space capability.
It is to be led by Lieutenant Colonel Joshua McCullion, the US Forces Korea said.
Photo: EPA-EFE
General Paul LaCamera, commander of the sub-unified command of the US Indo-Pacific Command, said the unit would enhance the US’ ability to ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia.
“The US military is faster, better connected, more informed, precise and legal because of space,” LaCamera told a ceremony at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, South Korea.
Seoul and Washington are seeking to boost security cooperation to deter North Korea, which earlier this year tested intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland.
Photo: EPA-EFE
The South Korean Air Force this month also set up its own space unit, saying it would bolster its space power and operation capability together with the US Space Force.
US officials have expressed concerns over rising security activity in space by major rivals, including China’s development of hypersonic weapons and Russia’s test of anti-satellite technology last year.
Beijing has warned Seoul against joining a US-led global missile shield, and criticized that THAAD US missile defense systems are installed in South Korea.
The South Korean Ministry of National Defense said the creation of the US space component had nothing to do with South Korea’s participation in existing missile defense programs.
About 28,500 US troops are stationed in South Korea under a mutual defense treaty forged after the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.
The US Indo-Pacific Command and Central Command set up their space units last month in Hawaii and Florida respectively.
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