S. Korea to buy Polish UAVs to counter NK's suicide drone threats

The South Korean military is set to purchase Polish loitering munitions within this year, a move experts believe will significantly bolster the nation's ability to counter North Korea's purported suicide drones, Report informs referring to The Korea Times.

The Polish drones, proven effective on the battlefield in Ukraine against Russian forces, could be a game changer in airborne warfare, analysts said.

According to military sources, the Ministry of National Defense recently submitted a request to acquire military drones to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), which is now preparing to announce the bid.

A DAPA official told The Korea Times that a South Korean delegation recently traveled to Warsaw to inspect the unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and assess their suitability for the South Korean military.

"Details regarding the procurement format or bid type are still undecided," the official said, declining to confirm the exact number or type of drones. However, several media reports have suggested that the figure could be around 200.

The defense ministry underscored the growing importance of UAVs, particularly in light of recent conflicts such as the Ukraine war.

"Our ministry and related agencies are exploring various options, including international purchases, to bolster our drone capabilities," ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyu said during a briefing.

A military official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that discussions regarding the Polish drones have seen substantial progress, given their proven capabilities and their cost-effectiveness.

The most likely model under consideration is the Warmate, which has been utilized by Ukrainian frontline units in their conflict with Russia.

According to its manufacturer, WB Electronics, Warmate drones have a maximum take-off weight of 5.7 kilograms, an operational range of 30 kilometers, an attack speed of 150 kilometers per hour, and a maximum flight duration of 60 minutes. These drones are capable of carrying various warheads, including high-explosive and thermobaric options.