K-Anti-Drone Technology Deployed in Real-World Operation at APEC 2025

Korean Consortium Including Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and LIG Nex1
Deploys Illegal Drone Countermeasures at APEC Summit Site

The independently developed Korean "K-Anti-Drone" technology has been deployed for the first time in a real-world security operation at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. This marks the first time that intelligent drone neutralization technology, developed primarily by domestic research institutions, has been used at an international summit-level event.

On November 5, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute announced, "Drone detection, identification, and neutralization equipment developed through the Illegal Drone Intelligent Response Technology Development Project was utilized for on-site security at APEC 2025 in Gyeongju."

Intelligent neutralization equipment can hijack drone control using real-time live forensic technology. Provided by Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute

The "intelligent neutralization equipment" used in this mission is a system that integrates the entire process from drone detection to control hijacking into a single device. Jointly developed by the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute and the communications and security company Barun Technology, it uses live forensic-based hacking technology to take over and neutralize illegal drones in real time. It is highly practical for field use, as it can neutralize not only commercial drones but also custom drones with no available manufacturing information.

Additionally, a ground-based integrated operation system, developed in collaboration with LIG Nex1, Susan ENS, Hura, and IOIR, was also deployed. This system integrates data from various sensors, including radar, RF scanners, and cameras, into a single control screen, thereby increasing drone detection rates and identification accuracy.

These devices operated a 24-hour surveillance system at the APEC summit venue, leaders' accommodations, and major ports, blocking the approach of illegal drones. They are credited with playing a key role in ensuring the safety of world leaders and officials.

This technology is the result of the multi-agency project "Illegal Drone Intelligent Response Technology Development," jointly promoted by the Korea Aerospace Administration and the National Police Agency. Since 2021, more than 30 organizations have participated in five years of research, and this year, successful demonstration tests were conducted at the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (September 18) and Yangyang International Airport (October 21).

Tak Taeu, a researcher at the Security Technology Research Laboratory of the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, stated, "It is a great source of pride that our research achievements have been applied in real-world security operations for a national event," adding, "We will continue commercialization research so that these systems can be routinely operated at key infrastructure sites such as nuclear facilities, airports, and government buildings."