Pocheon:The defense ministry has launched a new drone unit dedicated to enhancing unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone capabilities in response to North Korea's advancing drone threats, official sources revealed. The launch ceremony for the Defense Drone Agency was held in Pocheon, approximately 40 kilometers north of Seoul, with Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee and other military officials in attendance.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the newly established agency will serve as a "drone control tower," replacing the former Drone Operations Command. The agency is tasked with developing drone and anti-drone strategies and systems for all branches of the armed forces, aiming to advance South Korea's unmanned defense capabilities following the comprehensive unmanned systems policy announced in June.

The Defense Drone Agency's formation comes in response to North Korea's accelerated drone development efforts, which have been informed by its military activities in Russia's conflict with Ukraine. Recent tests by North Korea simulated mass drone strikes on mock South Korean military positions and U.S. tanks, emphasizing the growing threat.

With the new agency, individual service branches will be responsible for drone and counter-drone combat roles, while the Joint Chiefs of Staff will oversee coordinated operations. Additionally, the agency will work closely with the state arms agency to expedite the acquisition of drones and counter-drone technologies.

South Korea is also implementing a fast-track certification system, similar to the U.S. Blue Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), to preapprove commercial drones, facilitating quick military procurement. Efforts to localize drone components, such as batteries and motors, are also underway to reduce dependency on China. The military plans to acquire over 20,000 expendable combat drones and expedite the Korean Low-Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (K-LUCAS) program, which focuses on developing long-range loitering munitions domestically.