One year after drone command launch, grounds for securing additional equipment remain insufficient despite repeated malfunctions

2024.10.11. The Fair Economy — It has emerged that the Drone Operations Command experienced 20 instances of drone crashes or malfunctions in the roughly one year since its establishment. These incidents occurred while operating high-cost drones, each costing close to 30 million won,

Heo Yeong, a Democratic Party of Korea lawmaker on the National Assembly's Defense Committee, said on the 11th that he confirmed these points after reviewing materials submitted by the drone command.

The drone command was established on September 1 last year after rapid promotion following President Yoon Suk-yeol's mention of setting up a drone unit, prompted by a serious incident in December 2022 in which a North Korean unmanned aircraft intruded into South Korean airspace and flew for more than five hours.

However, with the first anniversary of its establishment now past, issues are being raised regarding the diversity and stability of the drones currently in operation.

Currently, the only type of drone operated by the command is a 'small reconnaissance drone.' It is pointed out that the scope of introduction through the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) at the time of the unit's establishment is somewhat at odds with the stature implied by the name 'Operations Command.'

There are also issues regarding equipment quality. A total of 20 drone accidents and malfunctions or abnormal symptoms have been recorded since the command's establishment. Of these, four drones crashed and were completely destroyed during flight. Two were caused by engine shutdown, and two by sensor abnormalities. There were 10 engine malfunctions, nine of which occurred this year alone. There were also six cases where the airframe was damaged due to encountering a gust during landing.

Although the model in question is a small reconnaissance drone, its unit price reaches approximately 30 million won per unit. With numerous malfunctions occurring in just one year, it is understood that user complaint reports and similar documents for preparing future additional equipment procurement projects are not being managed separately. For reference, the government's budget proposal for next year allocates approximately 8.5 billion won under the name 'Small Drone Equipment Acquisition' for the Drone Operations Command.

If securing equipment diversity and stability is a 'reality' among the tasks facing the Drone Operations Command, establishing an integrated operation system for South Korea's military drone capabilities is its 'future.' Currently, military drones differ by branch in terms of manufacturer and model, and the training and maintenance systems for operating them also vary. Although the Drone Operations Command should aim to be a 'drone control tower' within the military, building an integrated system still appears distant.

Lawmaker Heo Yeong stated, "As per the Drone Operations Command's slogan, drones will become the 'game changer' of the future battlefield," adding, "However, I hope they recognize that bone-grinding effort and innovation are necessary to realize this ideal and develop earnestly."