South Korea to Train 500,000 Conscripts in Drone Warfare Under New Military Plan
South Korea has unveiled its “500,000 Drone Warriors” initiative to provide unmanned aerial systems (UAS) training to every conscript during mandatory military service, boosting the country’s combat capabilities and domestic industry.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back announced the project, describing it as part of a wider objective to prepare troops for new technologies and improve combat readiness.
“The effort … will not only strengthen our military’s drone operation capabilities, but also serve as a foundation for individual soldiers to be active in related industries after discharge, and we will actively cooperate with each military branch and related ministries,” Ahn stated.
Training and Procurement
The project will distribute drones and necessary competency programs to all personnel, familiarizing them with UAS and expanding their use in combat.
To support the rollout, Seoul will buy more than 11,000 commercial drones, which officials said would guarantee a steady supply while helping local manufacturers.
The proposal carries a 20.5-billion-won ($14.7 million) budget request for 2026, now pending in the country’s legislature.
“The military will play a leading role in establishing and revitalizing the domestic drone industry ecosystem by continuously creating demand for drones with domestically produced core components,” Ahn said.
Test Unit Assigned
The Republic of Korea Army’s 36th Division in Wonju, Gangwon Province, has been designated as the first testbed unit to evaluate commercial UAS for military use.
It was chosen for its ability to train in both urban and mountainous terrain, as well as its prior use of drones during the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, according to local media.
The defense ministry said additional units may later be assigned to assess other types of UAS.
“The 36th Division of the Army should actively utilize the know-how it has gained by strengthening its own drone operation capabilities through creative and diverse efforts in other units, and serve as a pivotal test bed so that the military can quickly verify equipment incorporating excellent cutting-edge technologies such as AI,” Ahn said.
