[Yang Nakgyu's Defence video] First Reveal of 3rd Generation Drone for Rifle Shooting

[Asia Economy Military Specialist Yang Nak-gyu] It has been reported that a domestic defense company has developed a 3rd generation combat drone capable of carrying a K-2 rifle and striking targets.

According to the industry on the 15th, the 1st generation combat drone was first tested by the Army Training Command in 2018. At that time, the combat drone conducted live-fire shooting, tactical shooting, and close-range shooting, securing characteristics and data of the combat drone. Then, in 2019, the 2nd generation drone was developed and conducted close-aim shooting. The flight range also increased significantly, greatly enhancing the operational radius. This year, the 3rd generation combat drone was developed. It became capable of shooting in urban terrain as well as mountainous terrain.

The military plans to operate drones equipped with rifles, grenade-launching drones, and company-level reconnaissance drones in drone-bot (drone + robot) combat units. The grenade-launching drone is equipped with six grenade launchers attached to the bottom of the drone, enabling remote firing at targets.

The military explained that it plans to militarize drones through a 'two-track' approach of purchase and development. Small unmanned aerial vehicles for long-range reconnaissance that secretly infiltrate enemy territory to capture high-definition images of key targets, and communication relay drones for mountainous area communications of maneuver and landing divisions will be promptly purchased from domestic companies.

Short-range reconnaissance drones, company-level attack drones, and reconnaissance drones for the Ground Operations Command will be purchased domestically considering performance and technology. Meanwhile, vertical takeoff and landing reconnaissance drones operated by GOP (General Outposts) and Marine divisions, small attack drones for battalion-level units, ultra-small reconnaissance drones, medium attack drones for division-level units, and large attack drones for command-level units will be secured through core technology development. For example, small attack drones are planned to be developed by 2022, and ultra-small reconnaissance drones will be included in next year's core technology development projects and developed as soon as the technology is secured. Approximately 2.7 trillion KRW will be invested in the budget.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration will introduce the current status of defense drone development through the 'Seminar for the Development of the Defense Drone Industry' held today. This seminar will be conducted online via the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's YouTube channel.