The US Space Force launched its South Korean unit on Wednesday to better counter the North’s growing nuclear and missile threat.
The US Space Forces Korea is the second overseas component of the US Space Force, which activated the US Space Forces, Indo-Pacific, in Hawaii last month.
The US Space Forces Korea is expected to monitor, detect, and trace incoming missiles.
Specific mission responsibilities will be outlined following discussions with the South Korean military, Yonhap News Agency wrote, adding that the unit will undergo mission capability assessment next month.
Multi-Domain Capability
The unit is part of the US Forces Korea, which includes the Eighth US Army, the Seventh Air Force, the Commander Naval Forces Korea, the Marine Forces Korea, and the Special Operations Command Korea.
“The activation here today of US Space Forces Korea … enhances our ability to defend the homeland, and should ensure peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and in Northeast Asia,” US Forces Korea Commander Gen. Paul LaCamera said during the launch ceremony.
“Because of US Space Forces Korea, the alliance is better able to execute multidomain operations in the Korean theater of operations.”
South Korea Launches Space Unit
The South Korean air force also launched its space unit this month to “increase the combined space operations capability of the US-South Korea alliance.”
The developments occur after Pyong Nyong tested an intercontinental ballistic missile in November with an estimated range to strike the US mainland.