South Korea has begun the production of medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (MUAVs) to aid the country in surveilling North Korea, as announced by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). The project, in collaboration with Korean Air, LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Systems, involves a contract worth $353.6 million (471.7 billion won) to develop advanced spy drones by 2028. The initiative, which started in 2008 and concluded development in 2022, seeks to enhance reconnaissance capabilities.

The newly developed MUAVs are capable of operating at altitudes of 6 to 7.5 miles (10 to 12 kilometers) and can capture high-resolution images from over 62 miles (100 kilometers) away. Measuring 42 feet (13 meters) in length, 10 feet (3 meters) in height and with an 82-foot (25 meters) wingspan, these drones are expected to significantly bolster South Korea’s surveillance and military operations.