South Korea Unmanned Defense Systems

The Republic of Korea’s (ROK) plan to procure foreign-made unmanned systems for special military operations presents a significant opportunity for U.S. defense firms specializing in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, reconnaissance systems, and ground reconnaissance robotics.

On February 2, 2025, local media reported that the ROK’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) plans to acquire UAVs for precision anti-material strikes and advanced ground reconnaissance from international manufacturers. The reports, citing National Assemblyman Yong-won Yoo, a member of the Korean National Assembly’s Defense Committee, highlight the country’s strategic focus on enhancing its special operations capabilities through cutting-edge unmanned technologies.

DAPA intends to invest a total of 29.6 billion won ($21 million) by 2026 for anti-material strike UAVs and expects to finalize the model selection during the second half of 2025, with both an American and an Israeli manufacturer under consideration. Additionally, DAPA has allocated 13.6 billion won ($10 million) for reconnaissance UAVs and 6.9 billion won ($5 million) on ground reconnaissance robots for special operations.

This procurement initiative comes in response to North Korea’s increasing UAV capabilities, including its recent unveiling of various low-cost, low-observable UAV systems. Reports indicate that North Korean soldiers are gaining UAV combat experience on Ukrainian battlefields, further accelerating the ROK’s need for advanced unmanned systems. Given South Korea’s geopolitical security challenges and the rapid evolution of unmanned technology, additional opportunities are expected to emerge for U.S. companies developing cutting-edge UAVs and robotic platforms in the near to mid-term.

For more information on South Korea’s aerospace and defense market landscape, and potential export opportunities, please contact the U.S. Commercial Service at Office.Seoul@trade.gov.