[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Air Force to Establish Space Command

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Our Air Force has established a plan to create a ‘Space Command’ to prepare for future space warfare like Star Wars. This is a measure in response to the era where securing space power determines military strength. Already, military powers such as the United States and France classify space as a new battlefield domain and are actively investing in related areas.

According to the military on the 9th, the Air Force has set a ‘Space Power Development Plan’ to establish a battalion-level Space Operations Squadron by 2030 and a higher-level organization, the Space Command, by 2040. This is part of the detailed plan of the ‘Space Odyssey Project’ that the Air Force disclosed last year. Under this project, the Air Force established the Satellite Surveillance and Control Squadron in September last year. Once the Space Command is established, it is expected to become a large organization controlling the space weapon systems of the Army and Navy. For example, the Army’s weapon systems that destroy satellites from the ground will operate under the Air Force’s command.

To create official organizations such as the Space Operations Squadron or Space Command, the current National Armed Forces Organization Act must be amended. Specifically, Article 3 of this law, which defines the Air Force’s primary mission, must be expanded from air operations to aerospace operations. Accordingly, the Air Force has set a policy to promote work for legal amendments.

In addition, the Air Force has established plans to secure specialized personnel and strengthen military power to enhance space power. It is judged that the current personnel of about 100 assigned to the Space Development Office, Space Information Situation Room, and Satellite Surveillance and Control Squadron have limitations in collecting and analyzing information. In particular, the Korea-US joint space integration team will also be reinforced to strengthen joint training.

Regarding military power, by 2030, when the Space Operations Squadron is established, the Air Force plans to equip space weather forecasting and warning systems, and high-power laser satellite tracking systems. Then, by 2040, when the Space Command is established, it plans to launch satellites from the air using transport aircraft and build a command and control system linked to space operations. By 2050, it aims to establish an air-based anti-space operation system and secure deterrence capabilities against threats to allied space power through a phased plan.

The movement to strengthen space power is already actively progressing mainly among military powers. The United States elevated the Space Command under the Air Force to a separate Space Force in December 2019 under former President Donald Trump’s directive. Japan is also expanding and reorganizing its ‘Space Operations Squadron’ into the ‘Air and Space Self-Defense Force’ this year. Additionally, France, India, and Spain have recently established space forces or organized dedicated units.