South Korea ramps up drone production amid rising tensions
The South Korean Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that South Korea has begun producing MUAV unmanned aerial vehicles. These machines will serve a specific purpose - to enhance military surveillance capabilities over North Korea.
DAPA stated that the aircraft, manufactured by Korean Air, the largest South Korean airline, will be adapted for use in the army, navy, and coast guard.
South Korea's new spy drones
The information revealed indicates that these unmanned machines are approximately 13 metres long and 3 metres high. They can fly at altitudes of up to 10-11 kilometres and capture high-quality images from distances over 100 kilometres. Their wingspan is 25 metres.
The first units of this type, which will be assembled in South Korean factories in Busan, are expected to be operational by 2027. According to Global Firepower rankings, this will strengthen South Korea's fifth most powerful army in the world.
Comments are increasingly appearing in South Korean media suggesting that due to rising regional tensions and threats from North Korea, the authorities in Seoul must expand the army's drone fleet. In October, an agreement was signed with the Polish company WB Group to supply nearly 200 Warmate drones.
North Korea flexes its muscles
North Korea is taking similar steps. At the end of November, Kim Jong Un announced the decision to commence mass production of kamikaze drones, which he considers a key element of the war strategy.
Earlier in October, there was discussion about finding parts of a combat drone in the North Korean capital, allegedly originating from South Korea. Accusations surfaced against the South Korean military for using unmanned aerial vehicles for infiltration activities and dropping propaganda materials in Pyongyang. In response to these accusations, the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff stated that they do not intend to take action regarding North Korea's unilateral reports, considering them unworthy of attention.
It is increasingly emphasised that the growing role of drones is demonstrated by events in the war in Ukraine, where unmanned aerial vehicles of various types play a significant role. The aforementioned Warmate drones also prove effective there, used as loitering munitions.
