Busan: The Navy announced on Wednesday that a combat test involving a suicide drone was aborted due to an unsuccessful launch off the southern coast. The incident occurred when the unmanned vehicle failed to perform as expected during the test conducted the previous day.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the loitering munition was intended to launch from the 14,000-ton Marado amphibious assault ship. The plan was for the drone to strike a target boat in the waters near Busan. However, shortly after taking off from the ship's deck, the drone plunged into the sea, leading to the test's premature conclusion.

The combat trial was part of ongoing efforts to validate the operational capabilities of the drone, which is under development by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). The ADD is currently analyzing the drone to determine the cause of the launch failure.

The drone, equipped with a 3-meter wingspan, is designed to perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions while maintaining airborne capabilities for over 10 hours. It also features anti-jamming technology to counteract enemy electronic interference.

The Navy's broader strategy includes acquiring maritime suicide drones in phases and expanding their deployment across a wider fleet. This includes next-generation landing ships and future unmanned carrier platforms, underscoring the importance of the drone's successful development and implementation.