[ソウル ２８日 ロイター] – South Korea’s defense ministry announced on the 28th that it will invest 560 billion won ($441.26 million) over the next five years to strengthen its response to North Korean drones. It was included in the Mid-Term Defense Plan for 2023-2027.
The money will be allocated to four projects aimed at strengthening anti-drone capabilities, such as a “jammer” device that disables small drones and an aerial laser. Also, establish a drone unit in the army.
“The laser weapon is in the testing phase and we plan to start using it in 2027,” said a senior defense minister. A “soft kill” type of jammer that disables a drone could improve its ability to deal with smaller drones, he said.
In an effort to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats, the Pentagon said it would increase the number of stealth aircraft and improve its real-time strike capabilities against moving targets.
Also, increase the number of submarines that can launch ballistic missiles, and accelerate the development of a system to intercept rocket artillery.
“If there is a nuclear attack or if North Korea uses weapons of mass destruction, we will strengthen our retaliatory capabilities on an overwhelming scale so that we can destroy every major facility,” he said.
The defense budget for the next five years is expected to gain 331.4 trillion ($261 billion). This represents an average annual increase of 6.8%. This year’s budget was 54.6 trillion won.
