South Korea Requests Approval to Buy GPS-Guided Missiles

GPS tracking has a long history of military use. The technology was first designed by the U.S. military to assist in tactical operations. As new and better applications have been developed, governments around the globe have also implemented GPS tracking for both military and civilian purposes. New military uses continue to surface, and one recent development is the GPS-guided missile.

CC Image courtesy of UK Ministry of Defence via Flickr

GPS-guided missiles use GPS satellite data to lock onto a target remotely, eliminating the need for manual guidance. Cluster bombs can be equipped with GPS technology, making them much more accurate as they seek out larger targets like armored vehicles. In June of 2012, South Korea formally requested approval to buy these missiles and the GPS-enabled tail kit that makes them more accurate weapons. Other nations have made similar requests, ostensibly with the goal of modernizing their military operations, remaining on par with potential opponents, and protecting their borders from attack.

How Does a GPS-Guided Missile Work?

GPS-guided missiles rely on satellite data to locate their targets. Before launch, the targets can be mapped out based on GPS coordinates, altitude above sea level, and other factors. The missile can also be programmed with the topography of the region, allowing it to follow the terrain and avoid detection by radar. Military GPS data is accurate to within inches of the intended target (much more accurate than civilian signals), making it a formidable tool in military operations.

GPS-guided missiles outperform the old laser-guided weapons, which could be stymied by rain or cloud cover. GPS signals are not diffused by atmospheric conditions, making them more reliable weapon enhancers.

Other Military Uses for GPS Tracking

GPS tracking has been a staple of military operation in the U.S. since it was first developed in the 1970s. Back then, it was used primarily to keep track of vehicles and personnel during times of deployment. Today, however, the potential applications have mushroomed, opening new possibilities for military engagement. Some potential uses being researched, tested, and future include:

Drones: Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are a type ofaircraft that does not need to have a human pilot on board. They use GPS technology to guide the vehicle to its specified target.

G-LOC protection: G-force induced loss of consciousness, or G-LOC, occurs when a pilot loses consciousness due to an excessive amount of g-forces draining the blood away from the brain. Researchers are working to develop a GPS system that would register when a pilot is no longer navigating the plane and would automatically implement an automatic pilot system to prevent a crash.

Search and rescue: GPS tracking devices carried by each individual soldier increase the success rates of search and rescue operations.

As the technology continues to evolve, more and better applications will undoubtedly continue to emerge for military use. GPS tracking gives military operations an edge by enabling remote control of aircraft, better coordination and tracking of troops, and better identification of targets.

Does South Korea’s Request for GPS-Guided Missiles Have Implications for the U.S.?

South Korea’s request to purchase WCMD cluster bombs and their associated GPS-equipped tail kits isn’t unusual. Several other countries, including India, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia have made similar requests. The weapons would, however, provide a sophisticated level of defense against possible attacks from North Korea. They can be used to counter armored tanks as well as small boats approaching by water.

In order for any country to feel safe against attack, it must have weapons technology at least as effective–if not more so–as that of its nearest neighbors. Since North Korea has historically been antagonistic toward South Korea, the request for WCMD weaponry is most likely a defensive tactic. However, because the United States owns the satellites that provide data for the world’s GPS systems, the technology could theoretically be turned off in a time of war. There are a few other countries working to develop their own GPS satellite systems to prevent total loss of GPS data in the event of just such a measure.

The Future of GPS Tracking

The potential applications of GPS tracking are limited only by the creativity and resources of the scientists who develop them. Currently, the military uses the technology for:

• Navigation


• Reconnaissance


• Detonation detection


• Search and Rescue


• Target Tracking


• Guided Missiles

Other applications are already in the works, as discussed above. GPS technology has brought a new approach to military operations, both domestic and abroad. GPS-guided missiles are just the next step in a long history of military innovations designed to keep our military both competitive and as protected as possible. As long as the U.S. can keep its edge in the developmental arena, GPS tracking and its associated applications will continue to play a major role in both the defense of this nation and protection of others.

South Korea Requests Approval to Buy GPS-Guided Missiles