S. Korea Plans 500,000 Combat Drone Operators

South Korea plans to train 500,000 combat drone operators and deploy tens of thousands of unmanned systems along its front-line units to strengthen defenses against North Korea, according to the Defense Ministry.

The military also aims to produce 110,000 drones by 2029 for deployment across the army, navy, air force and marine corps, making unmanned systems a standard part of every soldier's equipment.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said drones should become a universal battlefield tool rather than equipment reserved for specialist units. He added that South Korea will rely entirely on domestically produced components, replacing Chinese-made parts over security concerns.

The expansion reflects lessons drawn from conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where drones have transformed modern warfare. Officials also warned that North Korea is rapidly advancing its own unmanned capabilities, increasing potential threats to both military and civilian targets in the South.