SKT to Develop "Communication Relay Drone" to Expand Military Drone Operational Range
by Park Eugenie
Published 15 Oct.2025 09:11(KST)
Agreement with PUNZIN, Konan Technology, Kontella, and Plactory for Solution Development
Significantly Improved Propagation Distance and Diffraction Using Low-Frequency Bands
SK Telecom is set to develop a "communication relay drone" that will dramatically expand the operational range of military drones. The strategy is to overcome the limitations of military communication technology by supplementing it with low-frequency commercial network infrastructure, thereby ensuring stable connectivity even in battlefield environments.
On October 15, SK Telecom announced at its Namsan office in Seoul that it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with four companies-PUNZIN, Konan Technology, Kontella, and Plactory-to jointly develop communication relay drones. These relay drones are devices that transmit wireless signals to ensure smooth connectivity for attack and reconnaissance drones, even in areas where communication is difficult during operations. Currently, the military operates communication relay drones using the Eum 5G frequency, but due to the high-frequency characteristics, the range of radio wave propagation is short, which has limited the operational radius.
The new communication relay drones to be developed will utilize low-frequency bands such as 800MHz, commonly used in commercial networks, to overcome these limitations. Low frequencies excel in propagation distance and diffraction, enabling stable communication quality even in areas with many obstacles, such as mountainous terrain or urban environments. In addition, "handover" technology will be applied to create a network where, even if a relay drone is shot down or malfunctions, the connection is immediately transferred to another relay drone.
Under this agreement, SK Telecom will be responsible for the wireless network, handover technology, and real-time video monitoring. PUNZIN will handle drone wireless quality measurement and AI technology; Konan Technology will provide edge tactical equipment; Kontella will supply satellite communication-based mobile base stations; and Plactory will be in charge of the Eum 5G core and communication equipment based on mini PCs.
Kim Kyungdeok, Head of SK Telecom's Enterprise Business Division, stated, "Through this agreement, we will combine each company's unique solutions to greatly expand the operational range of military drones," adding, "By integrating commercial network technology into military communications, we aim to contribute to strengthening national defense capabilities."
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