S. Korea Seeking Reconnaissance Drone, Robot

South Korea has signed agreements with two local technology firms to develop a counter-terrorism robot and a reconnaissance drone.

The deals are part of the country’s Defense Reform 4.0 initiative to form a “sturdier military” by deploying cutting-edge technologies.

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), a contract worth 4.6 billion won ($3.5 million) has been awarded to Hyundai Rotem to produce a state-of-the-art, multi-legged robot.

The tech must be capable of performing early identification of enemy threats to minimize human casualties during counterterrorism operations.

A 4.3 billion-won ($3.3 million) contract has also been awarded to Gyeonggi-do-based firm Preneu to produce the intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance drone.

The unmanned system is expected to support tactical units in conducting multi-dimensional operations.

Once developed, DAPA said that both systems will be tested by military units in 2024.