Seoul: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Friday called for a government control tower to oversee drone and counter-drone policy, saying they have become a key element in national security.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kim made the remarks as he presided over a meeting on the launch of the drone and counter-drone task force, noting the importance of forming a unified governance framework in light of national security and industrial competitiveness. "We need a single governance, a control tower at the government level for drone and counter-drone policy," he said in the opening remarks at the meeting.
Kim suggested that a defense-related ministry could lead the initiative, though he acknowledged arguments for emphasizing industrial aspects. He emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive, pan-ministerial approach. He highlighted that drones have become a key strategic asset affecting national security, industrial competitiveness, and public safety, citing their use in Russia's invasion of Ukraine and their emergence as a core strike tool in the conflict between the United States and Iran.
Kim further mentioned that South Korea requires more robust discussions on drone-related issues at both the defense and industry levels, pointing out that current efforts are too fragmented across research and development, production, manufacturing, and utilization. The task force will discuss establishing the most effective governance framework and control tower, addressing efforts to foster the industrial ecosystem and build drone and anti-drone clusters, as well as creating a framework for innovation in research and development, Kim explained.
The head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, under the prime minister's office, will lead the drone policy task force, with vice ministers of relevant ministries joining the platform.