Seoul Accelerates Defense Expansion with Recon Satellites and Missile Production | Be Korea-savvy

Seoul Accelerates Defense Expansion with Recon Satellites and Missile Production


South Korea's third reconnaissance satellite was launched on December 21, 2024 (KST), from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite successfully entered orbit and established communication with an overseas ground station at 11:30 p.m. KST. (Image provided by the Ministry of Defense)

South Korea’s third reconnaissance satellite was launched on December 21, 2024 (KST), from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The satellite successfully entered orbit and established communication with an overseas ground station at 11:30 p.m. KST. (Image provided by the Ministry of Defense)

SEOUL, Jan. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense has announced plans to complete the launch of five reconnaissance satellites under the “425 Project” by sending two additional satellites into orbit this year.

This move aims to bolster military surveillance capabilities, enabling near real-time monitoring of key targets in North Korea at two-hour intervals.

The Ministry’s 2025 strategic plan, reported to Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister Choi Sang-mok during a key foreign affairs and security policy meeting on January 16, also emphasizes accelerating the deployment of the domestically developed Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system.

Mass production of the L-SAM, completed in November 2024, is set to begin within the first quarter of 2025.

The defense agenda for 2025 focuses on four core objectives: maintaining robust military readiness against North Korea, strengthening the South Korea-U.S. alliance and trilateral security cooperation with Japan, improving barracks environments and service conditions for soldiers, and advancing defense industries through AI-driven high-tech military capabilities.

In a significant escalation of military readiness, the number of brigade-level outdoor maneuvers during the joint South Korea-U.S. “Freedom Shield” exercises will increase from 10 in 2024 to 18 in 2025.

Additionally, South Korea and the U.S. will enhance secure communication systems and protocols to support the stable operation of the Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) and establish formal procedures for nuclear weapon deployment consultations on the Korean Peninsula.

Simulated exercises reflecting potential North Korean nuclear attacks will also expand, strengthening strategic deterrence. South Korea plans to collaborate with the U.S. in naval shipbuilding and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) projects to develop comprehensive defense cooperation packages.

To improve military personnel welfare, the Ministry will increase duty allowances and reinforce support policies for military families. Efforts include transitioning from a pyramid to a more balanced personnel structure by reducing entry-level officer positions while expanding mid-level leadership roles.

On October 1, during the military parade celebrating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the South Korean Armed Forces, a Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system was on the move through Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square.

On October 1, during the military parade celebrating the 76th anniversary of the founding of the South Korean Armed Forces, a Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile (L-SAM) system was on the move through Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square.

 

As part of compensation reforms, the base salary for junior officers will rise by 5–6.6%, bringing the monthly pay for second lieutenants and sergeants to approximately 2 million won.

Overtime compensation limits will also expand, with frontline posts receiving up to 200 hours per month and other critical units, including coastal defense and air defense, receiving up to 150 hours. This adjustment will result in about a 30% increase in compensation for junior officers in security operations.

Additionally, dining services will improve by expanding civilian-contracted buffet-style meals from 26 to 49 military units. Enhancements in soldiers’ accommodations and combat gear are also planned.

On the defense export front, South Korea aims to finalize the second-phase contract for K2 tank exports to Poland within the first half of 2025. A government-wide task force will also pursue defense exports to Canada, particularly focusing on submarine procurement.

These initiatives underscore South Korea’s commitment to strengthening national defense and advancing its defense industry amid evolving security challenges.

M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)

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