South Korea establishes Defense UAV Command

The South Korean Ministry of Defense has officially launched the Defense UAV Command, effective November 1. This new entity is a restructuring of the previous UAV Operations Command and is designed to enhance combat capabilities and counter-UAV measures.

The command is tasked with directing the development of UAV and anti-UAV technologies, fostering innovation, and researching combat methods tailored to the Korean Peninsula environment. South Korea aims to rapidly deploy over 20,000 low-cost, expendable combat UAVs and accelerate the development of the domestically produced K-LUCAS offensive UAV system.

Additionally, the ministry is promoting a fast-track certification mechanism for commercial UAVs and related equipment to shorten procurement timelines and increase supply chain autonomy. This move follows a policy announced in June to expand the use of unmanned systems in reconnaissance, surveillance, attack, defense, and electronic warfare.