Seoul: South Korea's military will offer all conscripts drone operation training starting next year in its bid to strengthen combat capabilities in modern warfare, the defense ministry said Wednesday. This initiative aims to bolster the military's effectiveness by integrating advanced drone technology into its operations.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the plan, dubbed the "500,000 drone warrior" project, will see an allocation of approximately 33 billion won (US$22.9 million) next year. This budget will be used to acquire about 11,000 small commercial drones necessary for the training programs. The military's focus on enhancing combat skills through drone technology reflects the growing importance of drones as cost-effective tools in modern military strategies.
Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back, who proposed the plan in September, emphasized that nurturing 500,000 drone warriors will not only enhance the military's drone operation capabilities but also prepare conscripts for employment in related industries after completing their service. This strategic move is expected to serve as a foundation for integrating technological expertise into the broader workforce, benefiting both national defense and civilian sectors.