Develop Counterterrorism Robots And Surveillance Drones, South Korea Prepares Rp100 Billion

JAKARTA - South Korea's arms procurement agency on Wednesday signed deals with two local companies to develop counterterrorism robots and reconnaissance drones, officials said, as new technologies are used for military development.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said they signed a total deal worth 8.9 billion won or around Rp. 100,160,778,000, reported the Korea Times on August 11.

The details are 4.6 billion won with Hyundai Rotem for the development of multi-arm robots, and a 4.3 billion won deal with Preneu for reconnaissance drones.

The deal marks the first time an agreement has been reached under a 'fast-track' research and development project that aims to develop high-tech weapons within two years, to meet military needs according to DAPA.

DAPA plans to begin trials of both weapons systems in military units in the second half of 2024, after a two-year development process, according to officials.

It is known, the robots to be built are designed for early identification of enemy threats, due to their response and minimizing human casualties during counterterrorism operations.

Meanwhile, the drone project is designed to support multidimensional operations of tactical units on various security missions, according to DAPA.

The two projects are in line with Seoul's Defense Reform 4.0 initiative, which aims to deliver a more powerful military based on cutting-edge technology, officials said.