South Korea’s military plans to acquire around 11,000 commercial drones for training by the end of the year, as part of efforts to expand the use of low-cost uncrewed systems, Yonhap News Agency has reported.
The procurement process is set to begin this week, with bids due by late May and the contract expected to be finalized in July after evaluation and verification.
Officials said the program will prioritize systems that incorporate domestically produced components, with the dual objectives of supporting local industry and reducing reliance on foreign technology.
The acquisition is tied to the government’s “500,000 drone warrior” program.
Providing unmanned aerial systems training to all conscripts during mandatory military service, the initiative aims to enhance operational readiness and equip personnel with skills applicable to civilian sectors after their service.
Domestic Drone Development
Seoul is also advancing domestic innovation in unmanned systems, focusing on improving endurance and flexibility for defense applications.
In February, a consortium including South Korea’s Uniquest Corporation and Arion, along with US-based GuRu Wireless, began work on a drone designed for persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
The effort aims to overcome the endurance limits of battery-powered systems through wireless power transmission and autonomous flight.
In parallel, Korean Air has been developing a modular “open drone” concept since last year, allowing components to be swapped based on mission needs.
The work is supported by a joint program with the Agency for Defense Development, tied to broader efforts to standardize and scale unmanned capabilities across the military.
