South Korea Plans 20,000 Combat Drones Amid North Korean Threats

South Korea has established a new military drone headquarters and announced plans to acquire more than 20,000 low-cost combat drones as it seeks to strengthen its unmanned warfare capabilities amid growing threats from North Korea.

The Defense Drone Headquarters was inaugurated on November 2 in Pocheon, approximately 40 kilometers north of Seoul, with Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee attending the ceremony.

The new organization replaces the Drone Operations Command and will oversee drone development, counter-drone strategies and procurement coordination across South Korea's armed forces.

Under the restructuring, operational responsibility for drone and counter-drone missions will be transferred to individual military branches, while the Joint Chiefs of Staff will coordinate overall operations.

The Defense Ministry plans to accelerate the acquisition of more than 20,000 low-cost, expendable combat drones and advance the Korean Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (K-LUCAS), a domestic program focused on long-range loitering munitions.

South Korea is also introducing a fast-track certification system for commercial drones to shorten military procurement procedures.

The ministry aims to reduce dependence on Chinese-made components, including batteries and motors, while strengthening supply chains with the United States and other partners.

The reorganization comes as North Korea expands its drone capabilities, drawing on battlefield experience gained through its military involvement in Russia's war against Ukraine.