[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] What About the Korean-Style Stealth Unmanned Combat Aircraft?

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The Agency for Defense Development (ADD) is embarking on the development of unmanned combat aircraft equipped with stealth capabilities and medium-to-large unmanned submarines. The first phase of research, which began in 2010, has been completed, and the second phase is reportedly nearing its final stages.

On the 3rd, ADD announced key research and development projects at the 50th anniversary event held at Anheung Test Site in Taean, Chungnam. At this event, ADD explained, "Compared to ground weapons, South Korea has a relatively short history in aviation," adding, "This is not yet the system development stage for mass production of weapons, but research is underway to secure various technologies necessary for developing unmanned combat aircraft."

The main research areas include the shape design of the unmanned combat aircraft, radar-absorbing structures that enhance stealth capabilities, and tailless (without tail wings) flight control technology. The goal is to achieve a length of 14.8 meters, a wingspan of 10.4 meters, and a maximum flight duration of 3 hours at an altitude of 10 km and a speed of Mach 0.5.

In addition, ADD is developing core technologies required for medium-to-large unmanned submarine systems capable of conducting underwater surveillance and reconnaissance missions. Once these technologies are secured, it is expected to open the way for remote surveillance and reconnaissance of North Korean submarines and others in high-tension maritime areas such as the Northern Limit Line (NLL) in the West Sea, without deploying troops. The event also introduced research on photon and quantum radar technologies capable of detecting stealth, as well as laser interception devices that can neutralize enemy drones or rockets with laser beams.

A next-generation ultra-high-speed vessel weighing 20 tons and capable of speeds exceeding 60 knots is also being developed. Constructed from carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), this ultra-high-speed vessel can operate in extreme maritime environments and be rapidly deployed during operational situations. It measures 20 meters in length and 4 meters in width, accommodates 12 crew members, and is being developed in collaboration with Woori Marine Technology Co., Ltd., with completion expected by April next year.

Meanwhile, on the afternoon of the 5th, one day before its 50th anniversary, ADD held a founding ceremony at its headquarters in Daejeon attended by Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Administrator Wang Jeong-hong, former directors, and current and former researchers. ADD was established on August 6, 1970, under the directive of former President Park Chung-hee with the motto "The cornerstone of self-reliant defense." It is regarded as a cradle for the development of Korean-style weapon systems and core technologies. However, this year, its 50th anniversary was marred by a scandal involving the massive leakage of defense secrets by retirees due to lax security management. Police investigations into the incident are currently ongoing.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.