▲ This photo, provided by the defense ministry on May 15, 2026, shows Jeon Joon-boem (L), director general of the defense artificial intelligence planning bureau, and Patrick Mason, deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Army for defense exports and cooperation, shaking hands after signing a statement of intent on drone and counter-drone systems in Seoul. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

S Korea-US-drone cooperation

S. Korea, U.S. agree to establish joint supply chain for drone, counter-drone systems

SEOUL, May 15 (Yonhap) -- South Korea and the United States signed a preliminary agreement to expand cooperation on drone and counter-drone systems as part of efforts to enhance interoperability between the allies in joint operations, the defense ministry said Friday.

The statement of intent was signed between Jeon Joon-boem, director general of the defense artificial intelligence (AI) planning bureau, and Patrick Mason, deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Army for defense exports and cooperation, in Seoul, according to the ministry.

The agreement calls for allowing South Korean drone and anti-drone products to be listed on an online platform operated by the U.S. Department of War, set to be launched by the end of the year.

The move is expected to pave the way for mutual trade and operations of related Korean products, and lower logistics costs, according to the ministry.

Under the agreement, the two sides will also push to adopt shared standards for small-sized drone batteries in the short term as part of efforts to improve efficacy and compatibility between the allies.

Both countries agreed to organize a working-level group to ensure close coordination in the future.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]