South Korea is increasing its military's reliance on unmanned systems Accelerating the process of modernizing air powerDespite the accident that the Israeli-made Heron-1 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) experienced on March 17, the Seoul administration has been implementing new generation war strategies Unmanned aerial vehicles to work with KF-21 Boramae fighter jets continues to develop.
The Heron-1 Accident and South Korea's UAV Plans
In the accident that occurred on March 17, a Korean army vehicle IAI Heron-1 unmanned aerial vehicle, veering off the runway during landing crashed into a parked Surion helicopter.As a result of the collision Both aircraft were rendered unusable.This is the South Korean army third Heron loss It was recorded as .
But despite these losses, South Korea, It has to accelerate its investments in UAV technology.Behind this need Besides military emergencies, demographic changes are also an important factor.
Low Birth Rate and Declining Soldier Numbers
Kim Jae Yeop, senior researcher at the Sungkyun Institute for Global Strategy, said South Korea The low birth rate is one of the lowest in the world and this in the long run will lead to a significant reduction in the number of military personnel states.
In the current situation The number of soldiers in the South Korean army, which is around 500 thousand, is expected to fall below 10 thousand in the next 400 years. This situation is expected. makes it necessary to increase the role of unmanned aerial systems in military operations.
LOWUS: South Korea's Loyal Wingman Project
One of South Korea's most important UAV projects, “LOWUS” (Low Observable Unmanned Wingman System) a new one called loyal wingman It projects.
This was introduced by Korean Air on February 25th. stealth turbofan drone, KF-21 fighter jets will accompany ve will play a supporting role in air warfare.
- LOWUS features:
- Length: 10.4 meters
- Wingspan: 9.4 meters
- Internal weapon compartment
- Radar jamming and reconnaissance systems
- It is expected to be equipped with a domestic engine and active electronically scanned array radar.
This project Funded by South Korea's Agency for Defense Development since 2021 and manned and unmanned aerial vehicles in 2027 coordinated flight tests is planned to be done.
LOWUS, Similar to the US XQ-58A Valkyrie model It is stated and surveillance, attack, jamming and escorting fighter jets will be used in tasks such as.
Plan to Strengthen Air Forces with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
South Korean Air Force, to build composite squadrons of manned fighter jets and loyal wingmen in the future aims.
Kim Jae Yeop, “Very few countries, such as the US, Australia and Russia, are able to produce and test such systems” LOWUS South Korea's technological success symbolizes.
Loitering Munitions for South Korean Special Forces
Seoul is not only looking for drones to accompany fighter jets, unmanned attack systems for special forces is developing.
- The Seoul government plans to complete the selection of “loitering ammunition” for its special forces later in 2024.
- A budget of 22 million dollars was allocated for this project.
- Foreign types such as Switchblade 600 and Hero 120 are also being evaluated.
- Aim: Special forces against North Korea be able to act independently gaining unmanned attack capabilities.
Conclusion: South Korea Leads in UAV Technology
South Korea, experienced despite accidents and military difficulties by investing in unmanned aerial systems continues to modernize air power.
- LOWUS to be integrated with KF-21 projects such as South Korea's prepares for future wars.
- Ammunition of idleness, special forces Increases the ability to move independently.
- Decline in the number of soldiers due to low birth rate, UAVs increasing its role in military operations.
South Korea's developments in this area in the coming years, It could significantly impact the military balance in the Asia-Pacific region..
