South Korea ramps up drone production amid regional tensions
The South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that South Korea has begun producing MUAV unmanned aerial vehicles. These machines will serve a specific purpose—to enhance military surveillance capabilities over North Korea.
DAPA stated that the aircraft, manufactured by Korean Air, the largest South Korean airline, will be adapted by the army, navy, and coast guard.
South Korea's new spy drones
Information revealed that these unmanned machines are approximately 13 metres long and 3 metres high. They can fly at altitudes of up to 9,700–11,300 metres and can capture high-quality images from distances over 100 kilometres. Their wingspan is 25 metres.
The first units of this type, which will be assembled in South Korean factories in Busan, are expected to be operational by 2027, strengthening the world's fifth most powerful army, as per Global Firepower rankings.
An increasing number of comments in South Korean media suggest that due to rising regional tensions and threats from North Korea, authorities in Seoul must expand their drone fleet. In October, an agreement was signed with the Polish company WB Group for the supply of nearly 200 Warmate drones.
North Korea flexes its muscles
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 war strategy.
Earlier in October, there was discussion about the discovery of parts of a combat drone in the North Korean capital, allegedly originating from South Korea. Accusations were made 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 also prove effective there, used as loitering munitions.
