Why the U.S. Military Uses Samsung Phones but the Korean Military Cannot [Yang Nakgyu's Defence Club Column]

Encryption Policy Must Be Improved Before Advancing Tactical Communication Systems
Essential for Functions Such as Drone Operation and Wounded Soldier Monitoring

The U.S. military has decided to further adopt Samsung Electronics' new military smartphones. In contrast, the South Korean military does not use smartphones, prompting criticism that a change in encryption policy is necessary.

Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition designed for military operational environments. Provided by Samsung Electronics

The South Korean military is pushing ahead with the next-generation tactical communication system. The aim is to connect land, air, and space combat systems into a single network using technologies such as 5G private networks. However, the problem lies with their security policy. The military has maintained a conservative, hardware-centered security policy, resulting in continued delays in the adoption of operational smartphones. While the U.S. military uses Samsung Electronics smartphones, the South Korean military restricts confidential information exclusively to military cloud-based systems. This policy is the reason smartphones are not permitted. Experts point out that in order to advance tactical communication or the Korean Command and Control System (KCCS) projects, a change in the security policy is essential.

The United States is actively utilizing smartphones. The commander of the United States Forces Korea officially confirmed cooperation with Samsung to develop a 'military cloud infrastructure.' In a podcast episode released in May by the U.S. Army War College, Commander Xavier Brunson stated, “We are working with Samsung to develop an excellent cloud infrastructure. Through this, our forces and allies will be able to communicate even when communications are cut off or disrupted.” The U.S. military is currently envisioning a 'multi-layered military network' that interconnects command and communication systems among Asian allies—South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines—with an eye toward countering China.

Galaxy S20 Tactical Edition Equipped on U.S. Military Tactical Gear

Samsung Electronics has also stepped up its efforts. After first supplying the Galaxy S9 Tactical Edition (TE) to the U.S. Army through collaboration with the U.S. Department of Defense in 2012, Samsung upgraded the lineup by launching the Galaxy S20 TE in 2020 and further expanded it in 2023 with the release of the Galaxy S23 and the XCover 6 Pro models. The U.S. Marine Corps also employs a Samsung smartphone-based system for its 'Target Handoff System-Mobile,' using it to access operational information. Additionally, a dedicated device for use by military personnel within U.S. Navy submarines—based on Samsung technology—is under development and will be delivered soon.

The Samsung tactical phone operates without a server and is equipped with features such as external GPS support and a laser rangefinder. Other functions—including confidential lock and stealth mode—are particularly useful in missions. The German Army is also reportedly considering the inclusion of the Samsung XCover 6 Pro tactical phone and the Samsung Knox security solution in military technology advancement projects.

Samsung Electronics is becoming even more proactive. Having entered the military smartphone market in 2019, the company is now seeing the importance of such devices grow with the emergence of next-generation battlefields, such as drone warfare. Beyond simply enabling battlefield photography, these devices can be utilized as multifunctional instruments specialized for the military, such as controlling unmanned aerial vehicles and monitoring injured soldiers’ conditions. It is reported that Samsung Electronics will soon introduce the Galaxy S26 TE, a military-adapted smartphone, just three years after releasing the Galaxy S23 TE.

A government official stated, "Although the military says it is pushing various projects such as the tactical mobile communication system, multi-layered integrated network system, and intelligent network operation system, improvements such as the application of software (SW) encryption methods should be prioritized."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.