[2022 National Audit] More Ships with Communication Outages Detected

Defense Committee Member Ahn Gyu-baek: "24 Ships with Communication Outages... Urgent Measures Needed"

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] It has been revealed that 24 naval vessels experienced satellite communication network outages. The Navy only ordered a feasibility study and technical review for antenna relocation in August, following the satellite communication outage on the Choi Young ship in July.

According to data submitted by the Navy to Ahn Kyu-baek, a member of the National Defense Committee from the Democratic Party of Korea, 24 naval vessels experienced satellite communication outages at specific angles. The types of vessels affected include 6 destroyers, 1 large transport ship, 3 logistics support ships, 4 frigates, 1 oceanographic intelligence ship, and 9 mine warfare ships.

The reason for the satellite communication outages is that the ship's structures interfere with the satellite antenna's signal. This issue is mainly known to occur in vessels designed around 2003, when the Maritime Operation Satellite Communication System (MOSCOS) was being deployed.

The problem is that the Navy had no specific countermeasures before the satellite communication outage incident on the Choi Young ship. It was only in August, after the July outage, that the Navy ordered a feasibility study and technical review for antenna relocation.

Representative Ahn said, "Satellite communication outages that disrupt real-time situation sharing can pose serious tactical limitations," adding, "Prompt measures must be taken to resolve the satellite shadow angles on naval vessels."

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