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South Korea Defence Forum

South Korea succeeded Wednesday in its third attempt to launch a satellite into orbit, meeting a high-stakes challenge to national pride a month after rival North Korea succeeded in the same mission.

A positive outcome after successive failures in 2009 and 2010 was critical to ensuring the future of South Korea’s launch program and realizing its ambition of membership of an elite global space club.

The 140-tonne Korea Space Launch Vehicle (KSLV-I) blasted off at 4:00 p.m. local time from the Naro Space Center on the south coast, reaching its target altitude nine minutes later and deploying its payload satellite.

Scientists and officials gathered at the space centre cheered, applauded and hugged each other as the satellite was released.

“After analyzing various data, the Naro rocket successfully put the science satellite into designated orbit,” Science Minister Lee Ju-Ho told reporters at the space centre.

“This is the success of all our people,” Mr. Lee said.

South Korea was a late entrant into the high-cost world of space technology and exploration and repeated failures had raised questions over the viability of the launch program.

“This success has put the country’s entire rocketry programme back on track,” said independent space analyst Morris Jones.

They were under enormous pressure, given the earlier failures and the North’s success last month, and this will give them confidence and, of course, secure critical political and financial support for the future,” Mr. Jones said.

But South and North Korea still face a long slog to catch up with the other Asian powers with a proven track record of multiple launches – China, Japan and India.

Initially scheduled for Oct. 26, Wednesday’s launch had been twice postponed for technical reasons.

The delay meant that rival North Korea beat the South by launching a satellite into orbit on Dec. 12.

The North’s launch was condemned by the international community as a disguised ballistic missile test, resulting in UN sanctions that in turn triggered a threat by Pyongyang to carry out a nuclear test.

Wednesday’s mission was the last under the South’s current agreement with Russia, which agreed to provide the first stage for a maximum of three rockets.

Seoul’s space ambitions were restricted for many years by its main military ally the United States, which feared that a robust missile or rocket program would accelerate a regional arms race, especially with North Korea.

After joining the Missile Technology Control Regime in 2001, South Korea made Russia its go-to space partner, but the relationship has not been an easy one.

In 2009, the rocket achieved orbit but faulty release mechanisms on the second stage prevented proper deployment of the satellite.

The second effort in 2010 saw the rocket explode two minutes into its flight, with both Russia and South Korea pointing the finger of blame at each other.

South Korea has committed itself to developing a totally indigenous three-stage, liquid-fuelled rocket capable of carrying a 1.5-tonne payload into orbit by 2021.

Hundreds of people gathered in front of a giant television screen in Seoul cheered as the rocket blasted off, and again when the satellite deployment was confirmed.

“National prestige has really been the main driving force behind this program,” Mr. Morris said.

It is still unclear if South Korea intends to commercialize its launch vehicles once an indigenous carrier is developed.

“That would take at least seven years, developing a prototype and then building up a launch track record to attract commercial clients,” Mr. Jones said.

South Korea joins global space club with satellite launch - The Globe and Mail



 
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Congratulations, South Korea.
 
Congratulations to South Korea on this great achievement.
 
Why does it take long for S. Korea to launch a satellite.

BTW congrats to them. North Korea does not deserve to be in the club.
 
The Republic of Korea finalized its formal selection of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft for its F-X fighter acquisition program, announcing its intent to sign the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) between the U.S. and Korean governments for 40 F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing variant jets with initial deliveries beginning in 2018.
“We are honored by and appreciate the trust and confidence the Republic of Korea has placed in the 5th Generation F-35 to meet its demanding security requirements on the Korean Peninsula. We look forward to producing and delivering, on time and within budget, Korea’s F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing variant aircraft,” said Orlando Carvalho, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics executive vice president. “This decision strengthens and extends our long-standing security partnership and truly enhances the regional stability among our greater Asia Pacific allies.”
Following a comprehensive evaluation process for its F-X program, the Republic of Korea, which first announced its competitive selection of the F-35 over the 4th Generation Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle and the EADS Eurofighter Typhoon in March this year, now becomes the third Foreign Military Sales country to procure the F-35, joining Israel and Japan who selected the F-35A in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
The F-35 Lightning II, a 5th generation fighter, combines advanced low observable stealth technology with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, and a variety of fighters for at least 10 other countries. Following the U.S. Marine Corps’ planned July 2015 Initial Operational Capability (IOC), the U.S. Air Force and Navy intend to attain their IOC in 2016 and 2018, respectively.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
Republic Of Korea Approves Procurement Of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II · Lockheed Martin
 
Hard to break USA and South Korea alliance. Cannot trust them to respect Chinese interests. Continued support of North Korea regime is necessary but only pro-Chinese generals. A difficult task to find pro-Chinese general when North Korean leadership is also anti-China. Possible scenario is invasion of North Korea to depose Kim and install Chinese puppet. Then negotiate with Seoul about reunification.
 
Great News for South Korea...:-)

Off Topic:
@TheMatador what do you think about India?...I have seen many people complaining about you on several topics...I know that India is not of China's standard but i think i need to know your comment about it...
 
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Hard to break USA and South Korea alliance. Cannot trust them to respect Chinese interests. Continued support of North Korea regime is necessary but only pro-Chinese generals. A difficult task to find pro-Chinese general when North Korean leadership is also anti-China. Possible scenario is invasion of North Korea to depose Kim and install Chinese puppet. Then negotiate with Seoul about reunification.

The problem is if you oust Kim by force you'll be facing a wave of civilian fanatical loyalists who will be bent on revenge. Only way this is going to work is if you discredit Kim in the minds of the masses.
 
The Republic of Korea finalized its formal selection of the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II aircraft for its F-X fighter acquisition program, announcing its intent to sign the Letter of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) between the U.S. and Korean governments for 40 F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing variant jets with initial deliveries beginning in 2018.
“We are honored by and appreciate the trust and confidence the Republic of Korea has placed in the 5th Generation F-35 to meet its demanding security requirements on the Korean Peninsula. We look forward to producing and delivering, on time and within budget, Korea’s F-35A Conventional Take Off and Landing variant aircraft,” said Orlando Carvalho, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics executive vice president. “This decision strengthens and extends our long-standing security partnership and truly enhances the regional stability among our greater Asia Pacific allies.”
Following a comprehensive evaluation process for its F-X program, the Republic of Korea, which first announced its competitive selection of the F-35 over the 4th Generation Boeing F-15 Silent Eagle and the EADS Eurofighter Typhoon in March this year, now becomes the third Foreign Military Sales country to procure the F-35, joining Israel and Japan who selected the F-35A in 2010 and 2011, respectively.
The F-35 Lightning II, a 5th generation fighter, combines advanced low observable stealth technology with fighter speed and agility, fully fused sensor information, network-enabled operations and advanced sustainment. Three distinct variants of the F-35 will replace the A/OA-10 Thunderbolt II and F-16 Fighting Falcon for the U.S. Air Force, the F/A-18 Hornet and AV-8B Harrier for the U.S. Marine Corps, the F/A-18 for the U.S. Navy, and a variety of fighters for at least 10 other countries. Following the U.S. Marine Corps’ planned July 2015 Initial Operational Capability (IOC), the U.S. Air Force and Navy intend to attain their IOC in 2016 and 2018, respectively.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 113,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2013 were $45.4 billion.
Republic Of Korea Approves Procurement Of Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II · Lockheed Martin

A good decision by Seoul.
 
Key Points
  • The navy's third FFX frigate is reported to have been received
  • The vessel, which will bolster South Korea's submarine prosecution capabilities, is scheduled to become operational in May 2015
The Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) has received its third Incheon-class guided-missile frigate, delivered under the Future Frigate Experimental (FFX) programme, news agency Yonhap reported on 31 December.

The agency also cited the country's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) as saying that the vessel, named RoKS Jeonbuk (pennant number 813), will become operational in May following a four-month integration process. The warship is expected to take on roles such as maritime surveillance and anti-submarine patrol.

Jeonbuk is the third ship in the class to be produced by shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries. The company was also contracted to produce the first two vessels in class, Incheon (811) and Gyeonggi (812), commissioned in January 2013 and November 2014 respectively. Another local company, STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, has been contracted to produce ships four to six.

IHS Jane's Fighting Ships notes that a further nine ships are projected to enter service by 2020. This batch of nine will be built to a substantially revised design. Some estimates suggest that a class of up to 20 vessels in total may be procured.

The Incheon-class frigates are intended to replace the RoKN's Ulsan-class frigates and Dong Hae- and Po Hang-class corvettes. Equipped with Raytheon's Mk 49 RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile surface-to-air weapon, a Phalanx Block 1B close-in weapon system (CIWS), and a hull-mounted sonar, the platform offers improved anti-air warfare (AAW) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. IHS Jane's reported in January 2013 that the RoKN will deploy AgustaWestland AW159 Lynx Wildcat ASW helicopters on the Incheon class.

In August 2014 IHS Jane's reported that the frigates' six torpedo tubes will carry indigenously developed K745 Cheong Sangeo (Blue Shark) 324 mm torpedoes: these weapons have a speed in excess of 45 kt; they can also be operated in shallow waters such as the Korean peninsula's West Sea (Yellow Sea).

The Incheon-class frigates have a length of 114 m, a beam of 14 m, and a draught of 4 m. The frigates displace 3,200 tons at full load and can attain a top speed of 30 kt. They accommodate a crew of 140.

COMMENT
The effort to acquire platforms with submarine prosecution capabilities took on heightened urgency after the sinking of Po Hang-class corvette RoKS Cheonan in March 2010. A South Korean investigation concluded that the 1,200-tonne vessel was torpedoed near the Northern Limit Line (NLL) by a North Korean vessel believed to be either a Yono-class midget submarine or a Sang-O coastal submarine. Pyongyang has denied this.

The NLL, unilaterally declared by the United States military in the 1950s, is a demarcation that has not been officially recognised by North Korea. As such, the West Sea (Yellow Sea) has been the scene of repeated confrontations between the North and South, with both nations alleging incursions.

The sonar-equipped, ASW-focused Incheon-class frigates are expected to be central to the RoKN's effort to deter operations by North Korean submarines in these contested waters.


South Korea receives its third Incheon-class FFX frigate - IHS Jane's 360
 
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