Defense chief calls for stronger anti-drone measures against N. Korea

▲ Defense Minister Shin Won-sik (C) checks a drone at the Drone Operations Command in Pocheon, 52 kilometers northeast of Seoul, on Jan. 8, 2024, in this photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

defense chief-drone command

Defense chief calls for stronger anti-drone measures against N. Korea

SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's defense chief called Monday for the military to beef up its defense posture and combat capability against rising threats posed by North Korean drones.

Defense Minister Shin Won-sik visited the Drone Operations Command in Pocheon, 52 kilometers northeast of Seoul, to inspect small stealth drones and unmanned attack aerial vehicles, which are soon to be deployed by the military.

"North Korea keeps raising the level of asymmetric threats by bolstering its drone capability and advancing nuclear and missile program," Shin was quoted as saying.

The command was established in September to bolster counter-drone measures after North Korea's drone incursions into South Korean air space in late 2022, which stoked concerns over the South's counter-drone competence.

Pyongyang unveiled its surveillance and attack drones during an arms exhibition and a military parade in July and vowed to build new drones during a key year-end meeting of the ruling Workers' Party.

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