Minister of National Defense Ahn Gyu-baek visited the Army’s 36th Infantry Division on Thursday morning to designate it as the first specialized unit for testing small drones and counter-drone operations, emphasizing an initiative to train 500,000 drone operators.
The Ministry of National Defense plans to allocate approximately 20.5 billion KRW (14.7 million USD) in the 2026 budget to create an environment for this ambitious training program. This effort aims to swiftly incorporate advanced civilian drone technologies into military operations through collaboration with relevant agencies and the domestic drone industry.
During the event, Ahn stressed that this initiative goes beyond military transformation, serving as a catalyst for individual skill development and as a new growth engine for both the domestic drone sector and the nation’s future.
He urged the military to take a leading role in stimulating the domestic drone industry by consistently generating demand for drones equipped with locally produced key components.
Ahn emphasized that the program would not only enhance military capabilities but also equip service members with valuable skills for subsequent civilian careers in the drone industry.
The primary objectives of the 500,000 drone warriors initiative are twofold: to equip all service members with drone piloting qualifications and practical experience to bolster military combat effectiveness, and to create opportunities for veterans to become drone experts in civilian industries. The Ministry of National Defense views this as a win-win strategy, positioning the military as a key customer for domestically produced drone equipment while ensuring a stable supply for its operations.
To achieve these goals, the Ministry plans to procure a large number of small commercial drones featuring domestically produced core components for training and operational use.
The military will also expand its drone training infrastructure, including on-base facilities for flight skill development and an increased cadre of specialized drone instructors. Each service branch is set to implement pilot projects tailored to its specific needs by the latter half of 2025.
The Ministry of National Defense is considering designating additional units for small drone and counter-drone operations across different service branches to rigorously test emerging technologies from the civilian sector.
