Successful Completion of the Military Reconnaissance Satellite 425 Project Marks a Key Pillar of Independent Defense
Ministry of National Defense, Republic of Korea
Date : 2025-11-28
Minister Ahn Gyu-back celebrates the successful launch of Satellite No. 5.
Enables all-weather, day-and-night surveillance across North Korea.
Carries significant meaning for meeting conditions for wartime operational control transfer.
Full support pledged for strengthening defense space capabilities.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, center front row, poses for a photo with representatives from distinguished institutions and companies during an event celebrating the successful launch of Military Reconnaissance Satellite No. 5 at the War Memorial of Korea Peace and Park Convention in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on Nov. 19.
On November 19, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back described the successful completion of the 425 Project, aimed at establishing a military reconnaissance satellite system, as a significant milestone in "completing one pillar of independent defense." The Defense Ministry stated that the completion of the 425 Project is significant as it fulfills conditions required for the transfer of wartime operational control (OPCON).
On this day, at the War Memorial of Korea Peace and Park Convention in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Minister Ahn hosted an event celebrating the successful launch of Military Reconnaissance Satellite No. 5. He stated, "The successful launch of the military reconnaissance satellite is a significant milestone that elevates South Korea's defense aerospace capabilities and strengthens our progress toward independent defense."
He also expressed his intention to secure additional defense aerospace capabilities. Minister Ahn stated, "Defense aerospace capabilities are the security assets of the future, and we will expand the Republic of Korea's strategic horizon through cutting-edge defense science and technology. The Ministry of National Defense will spare no effort in supporting the advancement of our defense aerospace capabilities."
The 425 Project aims to deploy five military reconnaissance satellites with an investment of KRW 1.3 trillion. Under this initiative, the military operates one satellite equipped with electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors and four satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar (SAR). Through constellation operation, the five satellites can conduct continuous surveillance of all North Korean territory, regardless of day, night, or weather conditions. As a result, South Korea's Kill Chain capability to detect, preempt, and suppress signs of North Korea's nuclear and missile provocations has been significantly enhanced.
It is also significant in that it meets the conditions required for the transfer of wartime operational control. The Defense Ministry explained, "We have secured information sovereignty and operational autonomy by being able to independently collect surveillance and reconnaissance information, which we previously relied heavily on our allies for."
The event was held to commemorate the successful completion of the 425 Project over the past decade and to recognize organizations and personnel who contributed to its research, development, and operational success. Minister Ahn presented commendation letters to seven institutions, including the Ministry of National Defense, Joint Chiefs of Staff, Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Agency for Defense Development, Defense Intelligence Agency, Korea Defense Intelligence Command, and the Air Force. In addition, he presented letters of appreciation to three companies: Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Systems, and Satrec Initiative.
Minister Ahn met with over 50 distinguished contributors, including R&D personnel, and stated, "Thanks to your dedicated efforts, the Republic of Korea's military reconnaissance satellite system is now drawing global attention and has become a reality." This is a triumph of the collective efforts of Team Korea."
By Byeong-No, Yun
|
NEWSLETTER
|
| Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list |
|
|
|
