North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un has been observed inspecting various unmanned reconnaissance and kamikaze drones currently under development and production.
South Korea’s military is ramping up efforts to introduce specialized drones and robots designed to rapidly neutralize North Korean armored forces. These cutting-edge systems, capable of penetrating deep behind enemy lines to independently detect and engage targets without rear support, are slated for deployment as early as next year.
On Wednesday, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) initiated the selection process for the Special Operations Strike Drone program during a briefing at the Government Complex in Gwacheon. This project, first unveiled in February, is now confirmed to be on track.
With a budget of approximately 29.5 billion KRW (about 21.3 million USD), DAPA plans to procure these drones through international channels. Leading contenders include the U.S.-made Switchblade 600 and Israel’s Hero 120, both of which have proven their mettle in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
These strike drones are compact enough for special forces operators to carry and are engineered to neutralize armored units, including tanks and armored personnel carriers (APCs), from standoff distances. By eliminating the need for close-quarters engagement, these systems significantly reduce the risk to friendly forces while delivering substantial firepower.
Earlier, on August 8, DAPA reportedly held a briefing for the Special Operations Reconnaissance Robot project, allocating 6.9 billion KRW (about 5 million USD) for its development. This equipment is designed to conduct reconnaissance in high-risk environments, including building interiors. Analysts expect it to be particularly effective against North Korean underground facilities, long-range artillery positions, and in urban warfare scenarios.
DAPA is also scheduled to brief on the Special Operations Reconnaissance Drone program in September. This platform will conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and fire control missions. When paired with strike drones, it will enable a complete kill chain from target acquisition to engagement. The project has a dedicated budget of 13.6 billion KRW (about 9.8 million USD).
All three systems are expected to complete testing and evaluation in the latter half of this year, with full operational capability projected for 2026. Military planners anticipate that these assets will serve as a powerful deterrent against North Korean aggression and significantly enhance rapid response capabilities.
A senior defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that North Korea has already demonstrated mass production capabilities for suicide drones, reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and small unmanned surface vessels. Further noting that it’s critical that we develop overwhelming countermeasures to these emerging threats.
While the initial procurement involves foreign-made systems, DAPA is exploring options for technology transfer and domestic production. Industry experts suggest that unmanned systems could become a cornerstone of South Korea’s defense exports in the coming years, further solidifying the nation’s position in the global defense market.
