South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced the completion of production facilities for the nation’s first strategic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), marking the start of assembly production for medium-altitude reconnaissance drones (MUAV). The announcement came on December 17, with DAPA confirming plans to deliver the drones to the South Korean Air Force starting in 2027.
The MUAV program, a milestone in South Korea’s defense technology, has been in development since 2008 under the supervision of the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality. After successfully completing combat qualification assessments and achieving defense standardization, development officially concluded in March 2022.
The mass production phase was greenlit following a contract worth 471.7 billion won, signed in December last year. Three major firms—Korean Air, LIG Nex1, and Hanwha Systems—are spearheading the production of MUAV prototypes, advancing South Korea’s capabilities in drone technology.
The manufacturing process involves multiple phases, including small and medium assembly, complete aircraft assembly, ground testing, and non-destructive testing to ensure quality and readiness before delivery to the Air Force.
Looking ahead, the official emphasized the program’s global potential: “Global exports are expected,” signaling South Korea’s ambition to position itself as a significant player in the international UAV market.
The MUAV is a testament to South Korea’s commitment to strengthening its domestic defense infrastructure. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies developed over 16 years, the MUAV offers advanced surveillance capabilities that are expected to address both national security and broader civilian applications.
Reference: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-industry/2024/12/17/ETA4BUEGHRF5LLCQQARWK4DE54/
