▲ Prime Minister Kim Min-seok speaks during a meeting on the launch of a drone and anti-drone policy task force at the government complex in Seoul on March 20, 2026. (Yonhap)

PM-drone policy task force

PM calls for government control tower for drone, counter-drone policy

SEOUL, March 20 (Yonhap) -- Prime Minister Kim Min-seok on Friday called for a government control tower to oversee drone and counter-drone policy, saying they have become a key element in national security.

Kim made the remarks as he presided over a meeting on the launch of the drone and counter-drone task force, noting the importance of forming a unified governance framework in light of national security and industrial competitiveness.

"We need a single governance, a control tower at the government level for drone and counter-drone policy," he said in the opening remarks at the meeting.

"A defense-related ministry could take the lead, although some may argue that a greater emphasis needs to be placed on industrial aspects. It would inevitably require a pan-ministerial and comprehensive approach," Kim said.

He highlighted that drones have become a key strategic asset that affects national security and industrial competitiveness, as well as public safety, citing their use in Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

"They are also emerging as a core strike tool in the conflict between the United States and Iran," he said.

Kim went on to point out that South Korea needs more robust discussions on drone-related issues at both the defense and industry levels, adding that efforts remain too fragmented across areas such as research and development, production, manufacturing and utilization.

The task force will therefore discuss how to establish the most effective governance framework and control tower, addressing efforts to foster the industrial ecosystem and build drone and anti-drone clusters, as well as creating a framework for innovation in research and development, Kim said.

The head of the Office for Government Policy Coordination, under the prime minister's office, will be in charge of the drone policy task force, with vice ministers of relevant ministries to join the platform.

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