Accra:Seoul The Army has announced the completion of a "smart camp" system at the Hanbit Unit's military base in South Sudan, aimed at improving troop safety for the U.N. peacekeeping mission there.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the smart camp system incorporates advanced information and communications technology (ICT) to manage surveillance and facilities operations. This marks the first implementation of such a system among U.N. peacekeeping bases worldwide.
The establishment ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Hanbit Unit base, showcasing the system's capabilities in enhancing operational efficiency and reducing environmental harm. The South Korean government initially proposed the smart camp model during a 2021 peacekeeping ministerial conference in Seoul and selected the Hanbit Unit for its pilot implementation.
During the ceremony, key functionalities of the smart camp were demonstrated, including intruder detection through intelligent surveillance cameras and other reconnaissance assets. Attendees included Army Col. Kim Young-seok, head of the smart camp's task force, and Aggrey Kedogo from the U.N. Mission in South Sudan.
The Army intends to explore the expansion of the smart camp system to additional U.N. peacekeeping operations. Since 2013, the Hanbit Unit has been active in South Sudan, contributing to infrastructure development by maintaining roads and airport runways.