Military to rapidly develop interceptor drones to neutralize enemy drones... Prototype to be produced within 2 years

North Korean suicide drone [For Use Only in the Republic of Korea. No Redistribution] nkphoto@yna.co.kr

 The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on the 8th that it has selected the 'Anti-Drone Hard-Kill Close Protection System' project, which neutralizes enemy drones with interceptor drones, as its second rapid demonstration project for 2025.

This weapon system detects enemy medium-sized suicide drones when they approach friendly key facilities or equipment using its own radar, and when they enter a certain distance, it sequentially launches interceptor drones to shoot them down.

DAPA assessed that the interceptor drone weapon system offers excellent cost-effectiveness and can efficiently counter the threat of suicide drones, which North Korea possesses in mass production.

DAPA plans to issue a tender announcement next month to select the project execution agency, then produce a prototype through approximately two years of research and development, and deploy it to the actual military starting in 2028 to conduct performance verification tests.

Jeong Gyu-heon, Head of the Future Force Project Management Office at DAPA, stated, "This will lay the foundation for our military to respond more swiftly and effectively to enemy drone threats," adding, "We will continue to rapidly apply advanced civilian technologies to the military through rapid demonstration projects."