South Korea’s plan to train 500,000 “drone warriors” using low-cost tactical quadcopters risks failure unless the military overcomes internal resistance to doctrinal change and adapts its training, procurement and command systems to meet the demands of modern drone warfare.

Defense minister Ahn Gyu-back unveiled the initiative on Sept. 4, stating that every service member would be trained in drone operations by 2026. The program, backed by a $14.8 million (20.5 billion won) budget, includes the purchase of over 11,000 quadcopters and the establishment of drone training schools across the country.

Ahn emphasized that the program would serve both military and