South Korea to develop anti-drone defense strategy

April 16 (Asia Today) -- South Korea is moving to establish a national policy framework to build anti-drone defense capabilities, as unmanned aerial threats become increasingly significant in modern warfare.

The Ministry of National Defense said it held a policy forum Wednesday at Gyeryongdae, the country's military headquarters, to discuss strategies for developing an integrated counter-drone system.

The meeting was led by Won Jong-dae, a senior defense official, and covered a broad range of issues, including core principles for anti-drone systems, short- and long-term force development plans, rapid procurement of weapons and equipment, budget strategies and institutional reforms.

An anti-drone system refers to an integrated framework combining technology, equipment, personnel and operational procedures to protect critical infrastructure, military assets and public facilities from threats posed by enemy drones and unauthorized unmanned aircraft.

Won said building such a system is essential for national security, particularly as low-cost, mass-produced drones are increasingly used in asymmetric warfare.

"To counter cost-asymmetric attrition warfare using large numbers of inexpensive drones, developing cost-effective counter-drone capabilities is key," he said, calling for close coordination among government agencies to ensure rapid deployment of necessary equipment in operational units.

Defense officials said the government plans to use the forum's findings to establish a comprehensive and effective policy framework, while strengthening military readiness to respond quickly and flexibly to evolving drone threats.

The forum brought together officials from major defense-related bodies, including the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Army, Navy and Air Force, the Marine Corps, as well as research institutions such as the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses and the Agency for Defense Development.

Officials said the initiative reflects growing urgency to enhance the military's response capabilities as drones play an expanding role in global conflicts.

-- Reported by Asia Today; translated by UPI

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Original Korean report: https://www.asiatoday.co.kr/kn/view.php?key=20260416010005241

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