{"id":2204236,"date":"2024-03-13T15:26:15","date_gmt":"2024-03-13T06:26:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2204236"},"modified":"2024-03-14T18:07:09","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T09:07:09","slug":"south-koreas-military-drone-ambitions-face-challenges-amid-global-competition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/03\/south-koreas-military-drone-ambitions-face-challenges-amid-global-competition\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korea\u2019s military drone ambitions face challenges amid global competition"},"content":{"rendered":"

A major drone expo in the South Korean port city of Busan this month highlights the country\u2019s ambition to become a global leader in military drone technology, but underdeveloped systems and intense competition remain significant obstacles to realizing this goal.<\/span><\/p>\n

The ROK has become a global leader in defense exports in recent years, a reality driven home by its negotiation of a $3 billion agreement with <\/span>Saudi Arabia<\/span><\/a> for LIG Nex1\u2019s Cheongung M-SAM II missiles last month.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, the country\u2019s defense manufacturers are looking to build on this success by expanding into new domains, increasingly exploring tactical advancements and the economic potential of military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).<\/span><\/p>\n

But while acknowledging the economic opportunities that come with expanding into military UAVs, experts told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> that South Korea will struggle to repeat its arms sales success with its current drone offerings, which still lag as much as a decade behind the cutting-edge systems of more advanced countries.<\/span><\/p>\n

They said Seoul will need to invest in research and development and foster strategic partnerships with technologically advanced nations in order to catch up with its competitors and enhance the country\u2019s drone capabilities.<\/span><\/p>\n

While this will not be easy, developing better military UAVs will help strengthen South Korea\u2019s national security and better position its defense firms to compete effectively in the global market over the long term.<\/span><\/p>\n

UP-AND-COMING MILITARY DRONES<\/b><\/p>\n

South Korea\u2019s expanding drone arsenal was on display at the Drone Show Korea 2024 in Busan, which hosted 228 drone-related companies from 10 nations. The three-day event showcased the country\u2019s civilian and military drone innovations, highlighting its efforts to develop state-of-the-art technologies for domestic deployment and export.<\/span><\/p>\n

The exhibition featured cutting-edge technologies such as Korean Air\u2019s Medium Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV), Poongsan\u2019s multi-purpose combat drone and DYMSTEC\u2019s Drone Hunters, a drone-jamming gun.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe always strive to ensure that people use our technologies domestically and that we export them to various countries,\u201d Jo Sung-jin, a researcher at Korean Air\u2019s aerospace division, told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> at the Drone Show.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jo also introduced Korean Air\u2019s latest innovation, the KUS-SX attack and reconnaissance UAV, designed to neutralize isolated and hard-to-target surface-to-air missile units.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shin Seung-ki, a senior analyst from the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses (KIDA), explained that South Korea is actively preparing and developing response systems to counter potential infiltration by North Korean drones, similar to the <\/span>Dec. 2022 incident<\/span><\/a> when a North Korean UAV flew into Seoul\u2019s airspace.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shin added that the country\u2019s current focus is on developing and <\/span>mass-producing<\/span><\/a> medium and high-altitude drones primarily for surveillance purposes.<\/span><\/p>\n

South Korea\u2019s MUAVs are designed with reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities comparable to the U.S. MQ-9 Reaper, Shin and Jo explained, aiming to enhance the nation\u2019s aerial defense measures.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shin also highlighted the increasing importance of attack drones, noting the availability of various types for infantry units and higher echelons like divisions or corps.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

South Korean arms manufacturer Poongsan showcases its multi-purpose combat drone at the Drone Show Korea 2024 in Busan, March 7, 2024 | Image: Korea Pro<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

STILL IN ITS INFANCY<\/b><\/p>\n

Despite South Korea\u2019s high ambitions and promising prospects with various countries, experts said the nation\u2019s military drone technologies still suffer from limitations that impede their full potential to compete effectively in the current market.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shin of KIDA noted that countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Poland and other Eastern European nations may express interest in acquiring South Korean drones and similar technologies, which could be used independently or integrated into surveillance strategies to bolster rear firepower systems.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Choi Gi-il, a professor at Sangji University\u2019s national security division, said South Korea\u2019s products face challenges in market competitiveness and have yet to fully embody the country\u2019s reputation in advanced arms technology.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt is fair to say that South Korea\u2019s military drone technology is at least 10 years behind advanced countries like the U.S.,\u201d Choi told <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i>. He explained that despite the ROK military\u2019s emphasis on the importance of drones, South Korea\u2019s administrative efforts in nurturing drone capabilities are still in their infancy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Choi underscored that exploring potential export opportunities for drone technology requires a more realistic outlook, particularly when targeting countries in the Middle East with growing surveillance needs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen contemplating foreign sales, references play a vital role. Factors like export performance to other nations significantly influence purchasing decisions,\u201d he said.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

ROOM FOR GROWTH<\/b><\/p>\n

Shin of KIDA emphasized that system integration and interoperability are crucial factors in military drone sales. He noted that a pre-established trust with countries that have purchased South Korean weapons before could allay potential concerns regarding the operability of the military drones.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cCountries like Poland and Saudi Arabia that already deploy South Korean weapon systems can seamlessly integrate these drones into their military operations,\u201d Shin said. \u201cThey would benefit from mutual logistical support and interoperability.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Utilizing the country\u2019s existing defense market channels would give South Korean military drone technology ample opportunities to penetrate such markets.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Choi highlighted that domestically developed drones like the MUAV may encounter hurdles targeting foreign markets.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhile export prospects exist, South Korean military drones may struggle to outperform Chinese and U.S. models. South Korea must strategically reassess what we can offer our clients that is distinct from other countries,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shin agreed, acknowledging that the current drone market is dominated by major players like the U.S., China and Israel, with newcomers like Turkey focusing on more cost-effective options than South Korea. However, he did not rule out South Korea\u2019s capacity to match competitor nations’ drone technology in the foreseeable future.<\/span><\/p>\n

Shin cited the exponential progress in the ROK\u2019s arms development over the past decade, stating that \u201cmanufacturers\u2019 efforts have positioned South Korea to potentially rival or even surpass advancements from the likes of Israel in certain areas, such as missile defense and smart munitions.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He expressed confidence that with about 10 years of steady effort, South Korea can significantly advance its drone technology to a higher level while efficiently adjusting to trends.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jo from Korean Air echoed Shin\u2019s sentiments, remarking to <\/span>Korea Pro<\/span><\/i> that the models showcased at the Drone Show 2024 underscore \u201cSouth Korea\u2019s immense potential for further advancement\u201d and highlight the \u201cnotable successes already attained by the developed technologies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"

Admiral Kim Myung-soo, chairman of the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff, inspects a model of the KUS-SX attack and reconnaissance UAV at the ROK Drone Command, Feb. 14, 2024 (left), and the KUS-SX model display at the Korean Air stall during the Drone Show Korea 2024, March. 7, 2024 (right). | Image: ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff<\/a> and Korea Pro, edited by Korea Pro<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

DRONING ON<\/b><\/p>\n

To improve South Korea\u2019s drone capabilities, experts emphasized the need for increased investment in personnel and research, as well as more frequent international collaborations that could facilitate technological transfers.<\/span><\/p>\n

Indefinite technological advancements in military drones are unlikely and will grow increasingly challenging due to domestic limitations such as the country\u2019s rapidly aging and shrinking population.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Shin does not believe that such limitations are a factor yet, and he expressed that substantial investment in human resources and capital to develop higher-value military drones will help to bring in a considerable return on investment.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSuch investments are crucial for South Korea to maintain competitiveness and strategic capabilities in this field,\u201d Shin added, emphasizing the importance of a proactive approach to keep pace with the evolving landscape of military drone technology.<\/span><\/p>\n

Choi of Sangji University also highlighted the significance of South Korea embarking on collaborations and production partnerships with advanced countries like the U.S. or Israel.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe U.S. and Israel are leading international collaborative efforts in drone and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, often involving technology transfers,\u201d Choi explained.<\/span><\/p>\n

He noted that South Korea could use these collaborations as a strategic approach to address weaknesses in its developing military drone arsenal, enabling it to continuously upgrade to more advanced versions through technology transfer schemes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Edited by John Lee<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Business & Economy<\/span><\/a>Defense & Security<\/span><\/a>Inter-Korean & Foreign Relations<\/span><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A major drone expo in the South Korean port city of Busan this month highlights the country\u2019s ambition to become a global leader in military drone technology, but underdeveloped systems and intense competition remain significant obstacles to realizing this goal. 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