Military Expands Rear Satellite Communication Network... Eliminates Disconnection Issues

A vehicle-type satellite communication system central station equipped with a satellite antenna is parked at the KT SAT Yongin Satellite Center. The satellite communication system central station was developed as a vehicle to enhance mobility. (Photo by KT SAT)

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] It is expected that rapid operational command and control by the military will become possible even in the rear areas, where communication infrastructure has been relatively weak compared to the front-line regions.

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on the 12th, the 'Rear Area Satellite Communication System' project utilizing the domestic commercial satellite (Mugunghwa 6) has been completed. Approximately 46 billion KRW was invested in this project from 2017 to 2020. The rear area generally refers to subordinate units of the 2nd Operational Command (Daegu), covering the Chungcheong, Yeong, and Honam regions.

Due to the nature of the Korean military focusing its forces on the front lines, concerns have been raised that the rear areas have a wide operational range and relatively weak command and communication infrastructure.

In fact, in the rear areas, only division-level or higher units previously possessed military-exclusive satellite communication equipment, while brigade and battalion-level units relied on wired networks.

In regions where terrestrial communication networks were cut off or wired networks were not established, it took several hours to restore or install communication networks. This posed a risk of a 'gap' in operational command.

DAPA expects that with the satellite network now operational even at the brigade and battalion levels in the rear areas, radio transmission and reception will be possible anywhere on the Korean Peninsula, improving the command and control capabilities of commanders of rear area operational units. Additionally, communication network restoration and installation will be carried out swiftly within 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, the front-line communication network utilizes 'ANASIS-II,' Korea's first military-exclusive satellite recently launched. ANASIS-II offers the advantage of 24/7 communication availability throughout the year and strong resistance to jamming (radio interference).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.