US forces launch space unit in South Korea amid North's growing threats

SEOUL - United States Forces Korea (USFK) launched a space forces unit on Wednesday as the allies ramp up efforts to better counter North Korea’s evolving nuclear and missile threats.

The 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 military’s overall space capability. It will be led by Lieutenant-Colonel Joshua McCullion.

USFK commander, General Paul LaCamera, said the unit would enhance US ability to ensure peace and security on the Korean peninsula and in North-east Asia.

“The US military is faster, better connected, more informed, precise and legal because of space,” Gen LaCamera told a ceremony at Osan Air Base in the South Korean city of Pyeongtaek.

Seoul and Washington are seeking to

boost security cooperation to deter North Korea

, which in 2022 has tested intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland.

South Korea’s air force also set up its own space unit in December to 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 in 2021.

Beijing has warned Seoul against joining a US-led global missile shield, and criticised the THaad US missile defence system installed in South Korea. Seoul’s Defence Ministry said the creation of the US space component had nothing to do with South Korea’s participation in existing missile defence programmes.

Around 28,500 US troops are stationed in South Korea under a mutual defence treaty forged after the 1950 to 1953 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty.

The US Indo-Pacific Command and Central Command set up their space units in November in Hawaii and Florida. REUTERS