Why is South Korea buying 20,000 military drones?

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South Korea Plans to Acquire 20,000 Military Drones to Counter North Korean Threats

South Korea has announced a plan to acquire 20,000 military drones, a significant move aimed at bolstering its defence capabilities against evolving threats from North Korea. This decision is informed by recent conflicts that have highlighted the transformative impact of drones on modern warfare, shifting the strategic landscape from high-cost, limited systems to mass-deployed, lower-cost unmanned aerial capabilities.
Evolving Battlefield Dynamics

Recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have underscored the critical role of drones as "game changers" on the battlefield, as stated by Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back. These confrontations have demonstrated how the widespread use of low-cost drones is fundamentally altering the nature of warfare, moving beyond traditional reliance on a small number of expensive weapon systems.
Addressing North Korean Capabilities

North Korea's continuous development of a diverse range of unmanned aerial capabilities presents a growing threat. These advancements pose risks not only to South Korean military installations but also to vital national infrastructure and civilian populations. The acquisition of drones by South Korea is a direct response to this escalating threat environment.
Planned Drone Deployments and Development

South Korea intends to rapidly deploy its domestically developed K-LUCAS system, a combat drone believed to be inspired by reverse-engineering Iran’s Shahed attack drones. In addition to K-LUCAS, the military plans to procure over 20,000 expendable, low-cost drones for short-range reconnaissance and small attack missions, including loitering munitions. Further development includes AI-powered drone swarms and the integration of directed-energy weapons like lasers and high-power microwave systems.

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Why is South Korea buying 20,000 military drones?

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