▲ This photo, provided by the defense ministry, shows Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee (C) visiting the 72nd Infantry Division in Yangju, some 30 kilometers north of Seoul, to inspect drone-operating drills by reserve forces on May 19, 2026. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

vice defense chief-reserve forces

Vice defense chief inspects drone operation drills by reserve forces

SEOUL, May 19 (Yonhap) -- Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee on Tuesday visited the 72nd Infantry Division to inspect the drone operation capabilities of its reserve forces, the defense ministry said.

Lee made the visit to the Army's infantry unit in Yangju, some 30 kilometers north of Seoul, to oversee the training of reserve forces involving manned-unmanned teaming combat systems, such as drones, according to the ministry.

During the drills, the reserve forces operated reconnaissance drones to spot a simulated enemy and request artillery support, before having an attack drone carry out a strike mission.

While underscoring the importance of drones in modern warfare, Lee said reserve forces acquainted with drone operations will make up a "core" part of the military, while pledging budgetary and policy support to incorporate cutting-edge weapons systems in reserve forces' training.

To this end, the ministry said it plans to hire experienced personnel to form and operate standing reserve drone units.

It will also gradually expand the scope of drone training to all reserve forces by 2030, the ministry said.

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