Army to Equip Soldiers with Drones Like Rifles... "One Per Squad by 2029"

Plan to Train '500,000 Drone Warriors'

Kim Kyuha: "Drones Will Become Personal Weapons"

10,000 Training Drones to Be Deployed This Year

50,000 Drones to Be Secured by 2029

AI and Robotics-Based Surveillance System Proposed to Address Troop Reductions and Security Gaps

The Army announced its plan to popularize drones to the level of "personal weapons" such as rifles, aiming to train all soldiers as "500,000 drone warriors" capable of operating drones. By 2029, the Army plans to secure approximately 50,000 training drones—enough to deploy one per squad—seeking to overcome the issue of reduced troop numbers caused by the population cliff through the advancement of scientific capabilities.

On the 29th, a policy briefing for the press corps covering the Ministry of National Defense was held at the Army Headquarters main conference room in Gyeryongdae. (Photo by the Army)

On the 29th, at Army Headquarters in Gyeryongdae, the Army held a policy briefing for the press corps covering the Ministry of National Defense, presided over by Army Chief of Staff Kim Kyuha, and announced future innovation tasks for the Army, including this initiative. The plan is to overcome troop reductions through innovation in advanced AI, drone capabilities, and spatial power, to make the "Army Tiger Plus" pilot unit visible and supply drones to all squads by 2029, thereby transforming into a science and technology-driven strong military.

General Kim stated, "We are promoting the drone force build-up with a target of 2028 to 2030 and will establish a drone operation system suitable for operational objectives at every unit from company to corps level." He added, "Drones will be regarded as personal weapons in the future. They will become a core combat tool that soldiers can use freely."

Previously, Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek announced the goal of training "500,000 drone warriors." Some have raised questions about whether this figure is realistic amid decreasing troop numbers. They point out that the figure of 500,000 might remain a symbolic slogan at a time when the Army's headcount is shrinking due to the population cliff.

Army policy chief Lee Kyungjin explained, "The figure of 500,000 refers to the entire military, with the Army being only a part of that number." He added, "To implement the policy, we have established and are operating a drone training center, and the Army is also running the 'Innovation LAB.'" He especially emphasized, "We do not intend to create a separate branch for drone operators. Rather, we will grant specialized qualifications, allowing anyone—whether in infantry or armor—to develop their abilities freely." He further explained, "The figure of 500,000 is a conceptual and policy term, referring to the synergy effect created when career connections between the military and society, as well as the expansion of drones, influence the industrial ecosystem through startup companies."

Specific numbers were also provided regarding force buildup. Policy chief Lee stated, "This year, about 10,000 commercial drones for training purposes will be brought into the Ministry of National Defense. By 2029, a total of 50,000 will be introduced, which is enough to allocate one per squad."

Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Holdings Status Table. Graphic by Min Kyung Lee

To address concerns about security gaps caused by troop reductions, the Army presented the scientific surveillance system that combines AI and robotics as a solution. General Kim said, "Initially, we were unable to apply AI to the General Outpost (GOP) scientific surveillance system, but with technological progress, we are now deploying it to two divisions. Once AI is in place, it can instantly distinguish between friendly and enemy forces, and new surveillance, detection, and strike robot assets will be included."

Meanwhile, regarding the Army's efforts to restore its credibility and unite morale after the loss of trust following the 12·3 Martial Law, General Kim commented, "This was the part I worried about most and found most difficult. As Chief of Staff, I believe it is important to instill in our members the belief that we are strong and can earn the trust of the people, and I am making many efforts to communicate directly." He emphasized, "The Army has developed with continuity since the past, and because we have such resilience, I believe there is hope and a future for us."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.