South Korea boosts surveillance with new military drones

DAPA stated that the aircraft, manufactured by Korean Air, the largest South Korean airline, will be adapted by the army, navy, and coast guard.

Information revealed indicates that these unmanned machines are approximately 43 feet long and 10 feet high. They are capable of flying at altitudes of 6 to 7 miles and allow for high-quality image capturing from distances over 62 miles. Their wingspan is 82 feet.

The first units of this type, which will be assembled in South Korean factories in Busan, are expected to be operational by 2027, strengthening South Korea's military, ranked as the world's fifth most powerful by Global Firepower.

Comments are increasingly appearing in South Korean media suggesting that, due to rising regional tensions and threats from North Korea, authorities in Seoul must expand the army's drone fleet. In October, an agreement was signed with the Polish company WB Group for the supply of nearly 200 Warmate drones.

North Korea is taking similar steps. At the end of November, Kim Jong Un announced the decision to commence mass production of kamikaze drones, which he considers a key element of the war strategy.

Earlier in October, there was discussion about finding parts of a combat drone in the North Korean capital, allegedly originating from South Korea. Accusations surfaced against the South Korean military for using unmanned aerial vehicles for infiltration activities and dropping propaganda materials in Pyongyang. In response to these accusations, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that they do not intend to take action regarding North Korea's unilateral reports, considering them unworthy of attention.

It is increasingly emphasized that the growing role of drones is demonstrated by events in the war in Ukraine, where unmanned aerial vehicles of various types play a significant role. The aforementioned Warmate drones have also proven effective there, used as loitering munitions.