South Korea to Train 450,000 Troops on Drones as North Korea Fields 1.2 Million
Updated
Updated · Ars Technica · Jun 26
South Korea to Train 450,000 Troops on Drones as North Korea Fields 1.2 Million
3 articles · Updated · Ars Technica · Jun 26
Summary
South Korea said it will train its entire roughly 450,000-strong military to use drones like a “second personal weapon,” making them a universal combat tool across the force.
Ahn Gyu-back said the overhaul is meant to preserve a technological edge in Seoul’s long standoff with North Korea, drawing lessons from drone-heavy warfare in Ukraine and the Middle East.
The plan pairs mass training with wider deployment of cheap expendable drones for surveillance and strike missions, plus more counter-drone lasers and microwave weapons for frontline units.
A former drone operations command headquarters will be reorganized to work more closely with industry on developing and procuring commercial drone technology.
The push reflects South Korea’s effort to offset a manpower gap against North Korea’s more than 1.2 million active-duty troops by leaning harder on drones as a force multiplier.
With its trainers quitting, can South Korea truly create an army of 500,000 drone warriors?
As Seoul builds its drone arsenal, how will a Russian-advised North Korea counter this high-tech threat?
South Korea’s Ambitious 500,000 Drone Warrior Program: A New Era in Military Modernization and Regional Security
Overview
South Korea has launched an ambitious program to strengthen its military by training 500,000 'drone warriors' and making advanced drone operations a core part of its defense strategy. Announced by the Minister of National Defense in September 2025, this initiative highlights the country’s commitment to modernizing its armed forces with cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence. The Army’s 36th Division serves as a model unit and test bed, sharing its experience in drone operations across the military. This approach aims to rapidly integrate drones and AI into military tactics, ensuring South Korea stays ahead in modern warfare.