South Korea advances space force plans

The Republic of Korea Air Force (RoKAF) has set up a committee to shape the formation of a space force and its future capabilities.

The 43-member Air Force Space Power Development Committee was announced on 23 September and comprises officials from military, including the RoKAF; civilian sectors; and South Korea's space industry.

A press release issued by the RoKAF said the committee will have the responsibility to set the RoKAF space strategy, guide space-capability development, and encourage co-operation in the domain.

The RoKAF added that the committee will support improved collaboration across South Korea's various programmes to develop technologies in areas such as surveillance, satellites, positioning, lasers, and missile defence.

The RoKAF also indicated that the committee will support engagement with foreign militaries.

In late August, the RoKAF announced an agreement with the US Air Force to collaborate on space operations.

Under the accord, the two air forces said they intend to establish a joint consultative body on space policy, share information, and enhance joint space operations.

The RoKAF effort is also supported by a plan announced on 19 August to expand investment in space defence capabilities.

Under this project, announced by South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), South Korea will invest KRW16 trillion (USD13.6 billion) over the next 10 years to accelerate space defence technologies.

The plan includes the development of a road map that will support development in space-related systems, technologies, facilities, and infrastructure, said DAPA.