South Korea's Ministry of National Defense announced on June 26 a plan to train all nearly 500,000 active-duty military personnel to operate drones as a "second personal weapon," with Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stating the goal is to make drones a "universal combat tool" for every service member. The initiative aims to maintain a technological edge in the country's 70-year border standoff with North Korea, whose military numbers over 1.2 million active-duty soldiers. The announcement coincides with broader plans to equip individual units with expendable surveillance and strike drones, deploy counter-drone lasers and microwave weapons, and reorganize the former drone operations command headquarters to focus on industry collaboration for commercial drone technology procurement.
South Korea Plans Universal Drone Training for All Military Personnel
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated in a June 26 briefing reported by Reuters and other media outlets that the military will train troops to use drones like a "second personal weapon." The training program targets South Korea's entire active-duty force of approximately 450,000 personnel, aiming to establish drones as standard equipment comparable to personal firearms. Individual military units will receive increased allocations of cheap and expendable drones for surveillance and strike missions, while counter-drone systems including lasers and microwave weapons will be deployed across forces.
Drone Command Headquarters Reorganized for Industry Collaboration
South Korea's former drone operations command headquarters, which previously held direct command authority over combat units, will be reorganized to focus on collaborating with South Korean industry on developing and procuring commercial drone technology, according to The Korea Times. The restructuring shifts the command's role from operational control to technology acquisition and integration with the domestic defense industry.
Ukraine Conflict and North Korea Numerical Disadvantage Drive Drone Focus
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back specifically cited the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East as inspiring the military reforms focused on drone technologies. Ukraine's use of drones and military robots as a force multiplier to offset numerical disadvantage against Russia's larger military carries special resonance for South Korea, given that the South Korean military's current active-duty strength of 450,000 personnel faces a numerical disadvantage against North Korea's active-duty military consisting of more than 1.2 million soldiers.
FAQ
What did South Korea announce on June 26 regarding military drone training?
South Korea's Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced plans to train all nearly 500,000 active-duty military personnel to operate drones as a "second personal weapon," making drones a "universal combat tool" for every service member. The announcement includes broader plans to equip units with expendable surveillance and strike drones and deploy counter-drone systems.
Why is South Korea focusing on drone technology for its military?
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back stated the initiative aims to maintain a technological edge in South Korea's 70-year border standoff with North Korea, whose military numbers over 1.2 million active-duty soldiers compared to South Korea's 450,000 personnel. The minister specifically cited conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East as inspiration for the drone-focused reforms.
