South Korea Is Training Half A Million Drone Operators To Counter North Korea
- 26.06.2026, 9:43
Drones will become a standard part of military equipment.
South Korea intends to rapidly expand its capabilities in the field of drones and counter-drone measures to counter North Korea. According to Reuters, citing a statement from the South Korean Ministry of Defense, the country plans to train 500,000 drone operators and deploy tens of thousands of unmanned systems to frontline units.
The military also plans to produce 110,000 drones by 2029 for deployment in the army, the navy, the air force, and the marines, with the aim of making drones a standard part of military equipment.
“Drones should no longer be equipment used by a limited number of units, but should become a universal combat tool,” said Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-bak, adding that troops should use them as a “second personal weapon.”
He also stated that Seoul will use 100% domestically produced components, rather than Chinese parts, when developing the systems.
South Korea’s plan includes expanding anti-drone systems, such as laser and high-powered microwave weapons, as well as reorienting operations so that each service can conduct reconnaissance and strike missions using drones, rather than relying on a centralized command.
A senior Defense Ministry official stated that the military will also rapidly procure more than 20,000 low-cost disposable drones and implement swarm control systems based on artificial intelligence and loitering munitions.
Both Koreas have already stepped up efforts to develop their unmanned aerial vehicle capabilities, drawing on lessons from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where UAVs have become a game-changer on the battlefield.
“Inexpensive drones, used in large numbers, are fundamentally changing the nature of war,” Ahn said, warning that North Korea is also developing unmanned systems, thereby increasing threats to both military personnel and civilians.
Bank's name: Bank Millennium S.A.
Address: ul. Stanislawa Zaryna, 2A, 02-593, Warszawa
IBAN: PL97116022020000000216711123
SWIFT: BIGBPLPW
Name of the account holder: Fundacja “KARTA ‘97”
Purpose/title of payment: Donation for statuary aims
You can contact us by the e-mail charter97@gmail.com
