South Korea has announced a major reform of its armed forces, which involves training 500,000 drone operators by 2029. Seoul also plans to manufacture 110,000 drones to counter threats from North Korea.
- South Korea is set to train 500,000 drone operators by 2029.
- Seoul is to manufacture 110,000 drones for the army.
- Drones will become standard issue for every member of the armed forces.
- The Ministry of Defence is emphasising technological independence.
- The experience of the war in Ukraine has influenced South Korea’s strategy.
A major reform of the army
South Korea has announced an ambitious strategy for the development of its armed forces, with a focus on unmanned technologies. By 2029, Seoul plans to train 500,000 drone operators, manufacture 110,000 drones and integrate them into all branches of the armed forces. The Minister of Defence Anh Gyu Baek noted that drones should become a versatile combat tool for every serviceman.
Drones as a new personal weapon
«Drones are set to become a versatile combat tool and every soldier’s second personal weapon,» emphasised the defence minister. According to the plan, the army will receive not only standard drones but also new technologies, including swarms of drones equipped with artificial intelligence and new-generation loitering munitions.
Technological independence
The new strategy places particular emphasis on technological independence. The Ministry of Defence has stated that all new unmanned aerial systems will be manufactured using South Korean components, without relying on Chinese parts. This is intended to promote the development of the country’s own drone manufacturing industry.
Lessons from modern conflicts
Seoul emphasises that the decision to expand its drone forces is based on experience from modern wars. Russia’s war against Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East have demonstrated that the widespread use of low-cost drones is capable of radically changing the nature of combat operations. Drones have become an effective means of reconnaissance and striking targets.
Countering drones
In parallel with the expansion of unmanned systems, South Korea is actively developing counter-drone capabilities, including laser weapons, high-power microwave systems and advanced electronic warfare systems. These measures demonstrate a serious approach to ensuring national security in the face of growing threats from North Korea.
