South Korea Unveils 20,000-Drone Buildup, Recasts Unit After Martial Law Scandal
Updated
Updated · 매일경제 · Jun 26
South Korea Unveils 20,000-Drone Buildup, Recasts Unit After Martial Law Scandal
3 articles · Updated · 매일경제 · Jun 26
Summary
Seoul said it will acquire more than 20,000 low-cost disposable drones and develop Korean-style long-range self-destruct UAVs under a new drone and anti-drone policy announced by Defense Minister Ahn Kyu-baek.
The plan aims to match drones' growing battlefield role in Ukraine and the Middle East while countering North Korea's expanding drone capabilities, which Seoul says have been sharpened by combat experience and reflected in its tactics.
60,000 domestically made training drones will be introduced in stages to help build a force of 500,000 drone-trained personnel, with Ahn saying frontline training drones should use Korean technology and parts rather than Chinese components.
The ministry also pledged faster anti-drone defenses, including low-cost interceptor drones and longer-term laser and high-power microwave weapons, building on the Cheongwang laser interceptor deployed in late 2024.
The existing drone operations command, tainted by its role in the Dec. 3 emergency martial law episode and the Pyongyang drone controversy, will lose operational authority and be reorganized as a Defense Drone Headquarters focused on force development and procurement support.
With its trainers quitting, can South Korea truly create an army of 500,000 drone warriors?
As Seoul builds its drone arsenal, how will a Russian-advised North Korea counter this high-tech threat?
South Korea’s Ambitious 500,000 Drone Warrior Program: A New Era in Military Modernization and Regional Security
Overview
South Korea has launched an ambitious program to strengthen its military by training 500,000 'drone warriors' and making advanced drone operations a core part of its defense strategy. Announced by the Minister of National Defense in September 2025, this initiative highlights the country’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces with cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence. The Army’s 36th Division serves as a model unit and test bed, sharing its experience in drone operations across the military. This approach aims to rapidly integrate drones and AI into military tactics, ensuring South Korea stays ahead in modern warfare.