As countries actively engage in space development, it has been pointed out that Korea must work together with both the private sector and defense to respond to security threats from China and Russia. Last year alone, over 260 rockets were launched into space worldwide.
John Patrick, the commander of the U.S. Space Command in Korea, attended the '2025 Joint Military Space Force Development Symposium' hosted by the Joint Chiefs of Staff on the 12th at the Yongsan Defense Convention, noting that 'the key element of the space combat domain is the integration of public and private sectors,' and that 'the U.S. Space Force is strengthening its capabilities together with corporations.'
He said, 'We receive data from low Earth orbit and geostationary satellites to quickly identify space launches, satellite operations, pattern changes, and risky activities,' and added, 'The time for the government to manage risks with military space power has passed.' The U.S. Space Force collaborates with the private sector on vessels that cut undersea cables and North Korean ships that have exhibited abnormal behavior while carrying specific raw materials.
Presenting as a topic speaker, Sim Soon-hyung, head of the Security Strategy Industry Team at the Korea Institute for Industrial Technology, stated, 'Korea's defense space technology level for launch vehicles, ground systems, and satellites is at 70% of that of major advanced countries,' adding that 'the space industry market is still in the process of being formed, and the military's demand is not sufficient compared to major countries.' He mentioned that strategic direction is needed for creating synergy.
Sim emphasized the importance of the military. He stated, 'Even companies like SpaceX have grown due to government-led demand creation. The only institution in Korea capable of causing a quantum jump in performance is the military,' urging that 'the Ministry of National Defense should regularly commission projects and induce corporations to participate.'
Experts who participated in the day's congratulatory remarks and panel discussion also emphasized the need for cooperation between the private sector and the military. Noh Young-jun, head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's Future Power Business Headquarters Defense Space Task Force, said, 'Just as the Korean defense industry boom was created through a virtuous cycle of private innovation, we will prioritize practicality in a privately-led approach. We will also reform practical security regulations for this purpose.'
The symposium was attended by Army Chief of Staff Kim Myung-soo, National Defense Committee Chairperson Seong Il-jong, and People Power Party Commissioner Yoo Yong-won, among others. Over 100 attendees, including personnel from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and the U.S. Space Command in Korea, also participated in the symposium. In his welcoming speech, Kim stated, 'Korea will also accelerate the development of military space power based on cooperation between the private sector, public sector, and military.'