South Korea is preparing 500,000 "drone warriors" — this is not a joke, but a new reality of the army

From an infantryman to a drone pilot, everyone should be able to control a UAV

South Korea has announced a major reform: by the 2030s, the country's army should train 500,000 soldiers who can fly drones. These are not just refresher courses, they are an attempt to rethink the entire army. Now drones are not exotic for special forces, but a basic skill like rifle shooting or navigation.

Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-bak said: if the enemy uses drones en masse, we must teach everyone how to operate them.

The 36th Division will become a school for the entire army

The center of the initiative is the 36th Infantry Division in Wonju. It is here that the first specialized training ground for drone operations has been deployed. This is not just a training ground, but a "live laboratory" where new drones, tactics and training methods will be tested.

The experience of this division is planned to be replicated throughout the army. If something works for them, it will become a standard for everyone. The Ministry of Defense already calls the unit a "central testing ground" for new technologies, especially with elements of AI.

Drones for 500 dollars and a budget of 15 million

About $15 million (20.5 billion won) will be allocated for the program in 2026. This money will be used to purchase thousands of inexpensive, commercially available drones, similar to those sold in stores, but assembled from local components: engines, batteries, and control systems.

This approach solves two problems: it reduces the cost of training and stimulates domestic industry. It also allows you not to spare your equipment: if a drone crashes during an exercise, it's not a disaster, but part of the process.

Not just for combat, but skills for life after service

The program is not only about defense. The ability to control a drone, work with navigation, and process video is in demand in peaceful life: in construction, agriculture, shipping, and filming. South Korea wants its veterans not just to leave military service, but to enter the labor market with real digital skills.

This is not just the army of the future. This is an attempt to combine defense, technology, and economics into one strategy.

Sources

1. Topwar.ru — South Korean initiative to train half a million drone operators
2. Podolyaka.ru — Integration of drone skills into all branches of the South Korean military
3. Topwar.ru — South Korea unveils surface drone at Drone Show Korea 2025
4. Anadolu Agency — Pentagon confirms plans to withdraw thousands of U.S. troops from South Korea

South Korea to build K2 Black Panther tank production and maintenance center in Poland

Hyundai Rotem strengthens its presence in Europe

South Korea is making a strategic step into the European arms market: Hyundai Rotem has announced plans to establish a K2 Black Panther main battle tank production and maintenance center in Poland. This center will become a key platform for the supply and support of tanks not only for the Polish army, but also for other European countries interested in modern armored vehicles.

The decision is due to the growing demand for high-tech weapons in the context of the tense geopolitical situation on the continent.

A major contract worth 6.5 billion dollars — expansion of cooperation

The new agreement between the Polish Ministry of National Defense and Hyundai Rotem, concluded in 2025, is estimated at about 6.5 billion dollars. This contract is the second in a row and significantly expands the scope of the original 2022 agreement, under which Poland ordered hundreds of K2 tanks.

The financing will go not only for the supply of new machines, but also for the construction of production facilities, staff training and the creation of a logistics and repair system in Poland.

K2 Black Panther — an advanced tank for European armies

The K2 Black Panther is considered one of the most advanced tanks in the world. It is equipped with an automated loading system, active protection, a powerful engine and a digital fire control system, which ensures high mobility, survivability and accuracy of fire. Its characteristics make it competitive against Western counterparts such as Leopard 2 and Abrams.

Localization of production in Poland will allow for faster response to the needs of the army and shorter delivery times for other partner countries.

Strategic importance for Poland and South Korea

For Poland, this project is an important element of modernizing the armed forces and strengthening national defense. Creating its own production base reduces dependence on external supplies and develops the domestic defense sector.

For South Korea, this is the largest export success in the field of heavy armored vehicles and a signal of its entry into a leading position in the global defense industry. Poland is becoming the "gateway" to Europe for Korean military technology.

Kim Jong-un urged to accelerate the build-up of nuclear weapons amid the exercises of the United States and South Korea

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has said that the country needs to accelerate the development and build-up of its nuclear weapons. This was reported on Tuesday by the state news agency KCNA, stressing that such actions are a response to external threats.

Kim Jong-un called the joint military exercises of the United States and South Korea "a clear manifestation of the desire to provoke a war." His statement came amid the start of large-scale bilateral exercises between Seoul and Washington aimed at developing a rapid response to the growing nuclear and missile threats from the DPRK.

During the exercises, the South Korean and American armed forces are working out improved deterrence scenarios, including coordinating actions in the event of a possible provocation from the north. These maneuvers are sharply criticized by Pyongyang, which traditionally perceives them as a threat to its security and preparations for an invasion.

Kim Jong-un's statement underscores the further tightening of the DPRK's rhetoric and indicates the continuation of the course towards strengthening nuclear capabilities as a central element of national defense.

South Korea has started developing a hypersonic missile for fighter jets

South Korea has officially confirmed the start of work on a new hypersonic air-launched ballistic missile. This project is designed to significantly enhance the strike capabilities of the country's aviation, especially in the face of growing regional threats.

According to available information, the missile under development will be designed to be installed on board the Russian multipurpose fighter KF-21 Boramae. It is planned that two such missile systems will be integrated into one aircraft, which will make it a powerful platform for high-precision strikes at long distances.

The technical basis for the new missile could be a series of intermediate-range tactical missile systems (KTSSM) already in service. However, unlike the basic models, the new rocket will have hypersonic characteristics and the ability to launch from the air, which makes it much more complex and efficient.

The weapon concept resembles existing foreign analogues, such as the Israeli Air LORA and ROCKS systems, as well as the American Mako hypersonic missile, which is being developed for similar tasks. This indicates South Korea's desire to reach the level of advanced technologies in the field of high-speed weapons.

The development is at an early stage, but its successful implementation will strengthen the country's strategic defense capability and expand the Air Force's ability to respond quickly to threats.

South Korea is testing ballistic missiles for KF-21 fighter jets

South Korea is actively working on the development of air-launched ballistic missiles, which has become part of a large-scale program to strengthen its strike aircraft. The goal of the development is to be able to deliver precision air strikes against strategically important targets.

In parallel, work is underway on specialized weapons designed to destroy the enemy's energy infrastructure. Such weapons can be used to disable key energy supply facilities, which reduces the combat capability of enemy forces.

Special attention is being paid to the integration of the new missile with the fifth-generation multirole fighter KF-21 Boramae, being developed by South Korean engineers. If the tests are successfully completed, the missile can be installed on board these aircraft, significantly expanding their combat capabilities.

The implementation of the program will strengthen South Korea's strategic defense power and enhance its ability to respond to threats on the Korean peninsula.

South Korea offers Greece its "stealth submarines"

South Korea has decided to expand its influence in the world of military technology and has made an interesting offer to Greece. Seoul offers to start serious defense cooperation, and as the main "trump card" on the table has put the project of KSS-III class submarines, which in Korea are proudly called Dosan Ahn Chang-ho.

These are not just submarines — they are some of the most modern diesel-electric submarines in the world. They can hide under water almost silently, are equipped with missiles and torpedoes, and most importantly, they can carry ballistic missiles with nuclear warheads (although Korea itself does not have them, but technologically the boat allows it). In fact, these are underwater predators that can hunt in the depths for months without being noticed.

Now South Korea is offering not just to sell a couple of such boats, but to build them together with Greece — at Greek shipyards, with the participation of local engineers and workers. This means that Athens gets technology, jobs, and best practices. And for Seoul— it means entering the European market, where good submarines are in short supply.

This may be a chance for Greece to strengthen its maritime power in the Aegean Sea, especially against the background of strained relations with its neighbors. And for South Korea, it is another step in turning from a consumer of military equipment into one of the main suppliers.

In short: "We have the technology, you have the strategic position. Let's make a dream submarine— together?"

The South Korean army is facing a crisis due to a shortage of young men

The South Korean army is facing a serious crisis related to the shortage of young people of military age, which is caused by demographic problems, including a decrease in the birth rate and an aging population. This demographic decline raises serious concerns about the country's ability to maintain an adequate level of military readiness and ensure national defense.

The crisis combines several factors:

- Decrease in the number of men of military age due to the sharp drop in the birth rate over the past decades;

- Difficulties in recruiting young people to the army against the background of the changing social climate and the level of motivation for service;

- Increasing demographic pressure on the national security system, which requires adaptation of military policy and revision of conscription mechanisms.

These problems are compounded by the political and social crisis that South Korea has experienced in recent months: in December 2024, President Yoon Seok-yeol was removed from power, emergency measures were introduced and quickly lifted, and internal political conflict intensified. All this creates instability and requires reforms in various areas, including defense.

The South Korean authorities and military leadership declare the need to adapt the military strategy and look for solutions to preserve the army's combat capability in the face of a reduction in the available contingent of conscripts.

South Korea revealed the secret: what does the new missile from the L-SAM air defense system look like, which will replace the American PAC-2

South Korea has officially shown for the first time what the new air-to-air anti-aircraft missile (AAM) looks like, created for its promising L-SAM anti-aircraft system. Previously, the system was talked about in low voices, but now there are public photos, details and ambitious plans. This is not just another missile, but part of a large—scale national program aimed at completely rebuilding the country's air defense and becoming one of the most advanced systems like the American THAAD or SM-2.

What is L-SAM?

The L-SAM (Long-range Surface-to-Air Missile — "Long-range surface—to-air Missile") is a new South Korean anti-aircraft system created in response to the growing missile threat from the DPRK. The main feature of the system is its ability to intercept ballistic and cruise missiles at an altitude of 40 to 60 km, and in the future — up to 100 km. The range of destruction is up to 150 km, which means that the missile can shoot down the target long before it approaches the border.

But the most interesting thing is flexibility. The L-SAM launchers can be customized: some containers carry anti—missile missiles for missile defense, while others carry new air-to-air anti-aircraft missiles. It was these AAM rockets that were shown for the first time. They are designed to replace the outdated American PAC-2 GEM-T, which were still in service. In terms of its characteristics, the new product is already approaching the American SM-2 — this is a serious step towards technological sovereignty.

How does the new rocket work?

- Engine: two—stage, solid-fuel - gives a powerful start and steady flight.

- Speed: from 4 to 5 Mach — that is, the rocket flies 4-5 times faster than sound.

- Guidance: modern radar head + radio channel control. The rocket itself "sees" the target and corrects the trajectory.

- Mobility: all on tracked or wheeled chassis. This means that the complex can be quickly transferred to the desired location and deployed in a matter of minutes.

The project is a national one. The largest Korean companies are working on the L-SAM: LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Aerospace. The entire Defense Development Agency (ADD) coordinates. This is not a copy of other people's systems — it is our own, "homegrown" product, although taking into account the experience, including from American and Russian technologies.

L-SAM is not a loner. It will become the far echelon of the Korea Air and Missile Defense (KAMD) common system, the South Korean "umbrella" of air defense. The whole system is built like a pyramid:

- Long range: L-SAM and American THAAD — for intercepting ballistics at high altitude.

- The middle line: Patriot PAC-3 — at distances up to 100 km.

- Near border: Korean KM-SAM ("Chongun") — up to 40 km.

Such a "layer cake" should ensure that not a single missile from the DPRK will pass.

The work is on schedule:

- The development was completed in 2024.

- The tests were successful, including the interception of simulated ballistic missiles.

- Serial production — from 2025-2026.

- The first complexes will enter service in 2027.

- Full deployment by 2030.

The L-SAM is not just a new rocket. It is a symbol of South Korea's technological rise. The country no longer buys protection, it creates it itself. Now she will have a modern, multi-level air defense system capable of keeping any aggressor in suspense. And when this AAM rocket first appeared in the photo, it wasn't just a picture. That was the signal.: "We're ready."

The South Korean Army demonstrates the launch of a kamikaze FPV drone from a Surion helicopter to intercept aerial targets in flight

The South Korean army recently conducted a live demonstration of the launch of a kamikaze aerial drone with a first-person view (FPV) from aboard a multi-purpose KUH-1 Surion helicopter. During the exercises, a drone equipped with a live explosive charge was launched from a helicopter into the air, after which it was remotely controlled by an operator to intercept and destroy an aerial target — a special RC-MAT target drone simulating enemy unmanned systems.

The purpose of the training was to test the very procedure for launching a drone in flight from a helicopter, as well as to assess the tactical value of using such drones to destroy aerial targets right in the air. According to the Second Operational Command of the Army of the Republic of Korea, the main focus was on confirming the operational feasibility of aerial deployment of kamikaze drones and practical testing of remote control in real conditions.

This use of drones demonstrates the growing role of unmanned strike systems, which can be quickly deployed from aircraft and used as an effective means of protecting and responding to threats from the air. Such exercises help to develop new tactics and technologies that can increase the combat effectiveness of the South Korean army in modern air conflicts.

South Korea turns off the "sound war": dismantling of loudspeakers on the border with the DPRK

 

South Korea is taking a significant step towards reducing tensions on its border with North Korea. Seoul authorities have begun dismantling loudspeakers that have long been used to broadcast propaganda, news, and even pop music deep into the territory of the DPRK. This decision is a vivid symbol of a change of course in the political approach to the North.

Previously, these powerful acoustic systems were a key element of the so-called "sonic war" between the two Korean states. South Korea included them in response to provocations from the north, such as rocket launches or explosions of border facilities. However, the new administration of President Yoon Suk Yeol has decided to abandon this practice, considering it as a factor that only exacerbates hostility. The dismantling of the loudspeakers is a concrete action designed to show Seoul's desire to ease the confrontation and possibly open the door to dialogue, although no official negotiations are planned yet.

It is worth noting that the dismantling takes place against the background of the fact that the DPRK had previously also destroyed its loudspeakers. Thus, both sides formally abandon one of the most high-profile (in the literal sense) tools of psychological warfare. However, experts emphasize that the real reduction in tension depends not so much on the dismantling of the speakers, but on the actions of the DPRK, in particular, on its nuclear and missile programs. Nevertheless, South Korea's move is an important signal of its desire for de—escalation and more stable relations on the Korean peninsula.

The "Super Squadron" in action: US Air Force integrates F-16 in South Korea

 

The US Air Force in Korea has launched the next, most practical stage of a large-scale experiment called the "super squadron." On July 28, the relocation of the first wave of F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters from Kunsan Airbase to the larger Osan Airbase began. The 36th Fighter Squadron, based in Osan, began to receive these aircraft, and their fleet has significantly expanded.

The essence of the experiment is simple, but ambitious: what if we put more aircraft and technical personnel under a single command at one base? The goal is to check whether this will lead to a real increase in combat power and, importantly, to an increase in operational efficiency. Instead of dividing resources between two different bases and squadrons, the USAF wants to see how much more efficient it can be when everything is "together under one roof."

This initiative is part of a broader strategy to optimize forces in the region. The integration of the F-16 in Osan, which is the largest American air base in the country, should simplify logistics, speed up maintenance and flight preparation cycles, and improve coordination between pilots and ground services. If the experiment proves successful, such a "super squadron" could become the new norm for the US Air Force in South Korea, demonstrating readiness for any challenges in the region.

South Korea is reinforced: the old air defense system has become a "Blue Sword" — now it catches both planes and missiles

South Korea has seriously upgraded its air defenses. The old Cheongung-I system (which translates to "Blue Sky") has been completely upgraded, and now it has become Cheongung-II — much more powerful and intelligent. Now it's not just an anti-aircraft gun, but a real multi-purpose system capable of intercepting both enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles, including those that can come from North Korea.

This was officially announced on Monday by the Office of Defense Procurement Programs (DAPA), the main supplier of weapons to the South Korean army. According to them, the updated system has already begun to enter the army and is undergoing initial deployment. It will be fully operational at 100% by 2027.

What's cool about Cheongung-II? First, she sees further and more accurately: improved radars and guidance systems allow her to detect targets earlier and react faster. Secondly, the new interceptor missiles can operate at different altitudes, from low-flying drones to medium-range ballistic missiles. This is critically important considering how many times North Korea has tested missiles in recent years.

In addition, the system is better integrated with other components of South Korea's air defense, including the American THAAD and Patriot complexes, which creates a multi-layered defense. If one system misses the target, the other will intercept it.

This modernization is a direct response to the growing threat from the north. Cheongung II is not just an upgrade, but a step towards full independence in defense matters. Seoul is becoming less dependent on other people's technologies and is building its own reliable protection system.

South Korea has shown the future of air warfare: the KF-21 now flies in conjunction with "smart" stealth drones

 

South Korea is taking a decisive step into the future of aerial combat. The country is actively approaching the deployment of a new unmanned aircraft system that will fly in conjunction with the new KF-21 Boramae fighter. The goal is not just to add another drone, but to create a real "family" in the sky, where man and machine work as one, expanding the capabilities of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) by orders of magnitude.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the developer of the KF-21, recently released a demo video that looks like footage from an action movie, but it's a real concept for the future of combat. The simulation shows how a transport aircraft releases a group of inconspicuous drones, which then rush forward, escorting a KF-21 fighter jet. It's not just flying in formation, it's a combat team.

Imagine: one pilot in the cockpit of a KF-21, and around him — four drones, the so-called "wingmen" (loyal wingmen). They fly ahead, scan space, find targets, attack enemy radars and planes, while risking not the pilot, but the equipment. The fighter itself is keeping a safe distance at this time, commanding drones and delivering decisive strikes when the situation clears up.

This is a new level of human-machine interaction: the pilot becomes the "conductor of the orchestra," and the drones become his eyes, ears, and fists. This approach makes it possible to significantly reduce the risks for the crew, increase the control area and strike more accurately and faster.

The drones in the video look like compact, stealth-optimized vehicles — stealthy, maneuverable, with their own radars and weapons. They are able to operate autonomously, but under the control of the KF-21 pilot, which makes the entire group flexible and resilient. Even if one drone fails, the rest will continue the mission.

This concept directly competes with similar developments in the USA (for example, Skyborg), Great Britain (Tempest) and China. South Korea, therefore, is not just catching up — it is showing that it can create advanced solutions on its own. And the KF-21 with drones is not a fantasy on paper, but a real stage in the development of national defense.

In the coming years, such "pilot-drone tandems" may become the norm. In the meantime, South Korea has already shown what the air war of tomorrow will look like: one man in the cockpit, and an army of smart cars in the sky.

A South Korean plane entered the Japanese air defense zone without warning, and fighters were scrambled

 

The military tension in the Far East almost reached a new level due to one unexpected maneuver. The South Korean transport aircraft C-130 Hercules entered the Japanese air defense zone (the so-called ADIZ) without prior notice. Japan reacted immediately: fighter jets were scrambled from the airbase to intercept.

What exactly happened? On July 13, this aircraft flew as part of a large—scale exercise under the auspices of the United States, probably Resolute Force Pacific, which is positioned as the largest military exercise in the history of the Pacific Ocean. On his way to Guam, he needed to refuel, and the route changed abruptly — he turned to Kadena Air Base in Okinawa. But the South Korean military seems to have forgotten to inform Japan about this in advance.

But for Tokyo, this is serious. ADIZ is not a border, but a zone where the country monitors all aircraft, especially military ones. If someone enters without warning, it may look like a challenge or even a threat. Therefore, Japanese fighters took to the air to visually identify the aircraft and track it.

Now the South Korean Air Force has launched an investigation — they are trying to understand whether it was a mistake in coordination or just a slip. In any case, the incident is a reminder of how easily even NATO and other bloc allies can scare each other, especially in a tense region like East Asia.

It's good that there was no escalation. But the situation has shown that even friendly countries should keep each other informed when flying near other people's "air zones."

South Korea has conquered the "impossible" ceramics: how to make armor for the K2 Black Panther tank

 

When it comes to tanks, many immediately think of Germany, Russia or the United States. And they think about South Korea: "Well, yes, they have something there, but these are not real tank builders - they did not start from scratch." They say there is no school, little experience, "get off the beach." But these people clearly don't know that Koreans are not just catching up, but already ahead of the rest of the planet in some things. Especially in armor.

Their flagship K2 Black Panther tank is not just a cool machine with an automatic loader and a smart suspension. One of the main "chips" is armor, or rather ceramic modules based on silicon carbide. It sounds like chemistry from a university, but it is, in fact, one of the most advanced materials in modern anti-shell protection.

And here's the trick: making such ceramics is a hellishly difficult task. It's not easy to burn clay in an oven and you're done. Any mistake here can turn the stove into brittle junk, which will crumble like cookies on impact. Voids, cracks, burnout, uneven sintering — all this kills the protective properties. Back in the USSR, they tried to launch such ceramics, but they couldn't do it: there was no technology then, and there was nothing to even check for defects. As a result, there is a lottery: if you are lucky, the armor is good, if you are unlucky, the "brick" crumbles from a light blow.

And the Koreans just did it. Samyang Comtec has been tinkering with this topic for seven years. Seven years! We tried a lot of methods, conducted more than two hundred field tests, until we reached stable production.

How does it work? Silicon carbide powder is taken, heated to 2000 degrees, then cooled and pressed under a pressure of over 100 tons. The resulting tiles are the size of an A4 sheet, thick and heavy — they are also called "heavy ceramics". An armored module for a tank is assembled from three hundred such plates.

Why is it cool? Firstly, silicon carbide is twice as light as steel, but it perfectly dampens impacts. Especially from shaped projectiles, such as those that fly from RPGs. When the cumulative jet hits the ceramic, it collapses, turning into sand. But this sand doesn't just fly like that — it clogs the channel of the hole, tears up the jet and extinguishes its energy. That is, ceramics literally uses the enemy's attack against itself.

In terms of efficiency, 200 mm of such ceramics provide protection, like 330 mm of steel armor. Not a record, but very worthy. It also works against sub-caliber projectiles (armor-piercing): ceramics tear, but thanks to the steel "clips" around it, powerful resistance is created, which slows down and crumbles the armor-piercing core.

So yes, South Korea may not have the "old school" of tank building. But they don't copy, they innovate. And if earlier their tanks were perceived condescendingly, now it's worth taking a closer look. Because "Black Panther" is not just a pretty name. This is a technological breakthrough that others have been fighting for for years, and the Koreans have made.

: North Korea plans to send additional troops to Russia: analysis of Ukrainian intelligence services

 North Korea plans to send an additional 25-30 thousand troops to Russia in the coming months, according to an analysis by the Ukrainian special services. According to Kiev, these troops may be involved not only in Russia, but also directly in the fighting in Ukraine, which will significantly strengthen the Russian group in certain areas of the front.

These new forces will join a contingent of about 11,000 North Korean troops already in Russia, who arrived last year to support the Russian army. It is reported that about 4,000 of them have already been killed or injured in the fighting, mainly in the Kursk region, where they took part in local operations along with Russian units.

Ukrainian intelligence also indicates that Russia is actively preparing to integrate new North Korean troops into its military structures. To do this, Moscow allegedly provides them with the necessary ** weapons, ammunition and organizes joint training ** to ensure their effective interaction with Russian units.

Earlier, South Korea transmitted information to its allies that North Korea could send additional troops to Russia as early as July or August 2025, which coincides with the current estimates of the Ukrainian side. Such a large-scale step could become an important factor in the further development of the military conflict, especially if the DPRK begins to take a more active part in hostilities on the side of Russia.

Poland has completed negotiations on the purchase of 180 South Korean K2 tanks worth about $6.5 billion

Poland has successfully completed negotiations with South Korea on the acquisition of 180 modern K2 main battle tanks. The total value of the transaction is estimated at about 6.5 billion dollars. This contract will be an important step in modernizing the Polish ground forces and strengthening the country's defense capability.

K2 tanks are characterized by high mobility, powerful armor protection and modern fire control systems, which will allow Poland to significantly increase the combat potential of its armed forces. Deliveries are expected to begin in the coming years and will be accompanied by technical support and training for Polish crews.

South Korea's KAI has received a second contract for the production of 20 KF-21 Boramae fighters worth 2.39 trillion won

Korea Aerospace Industries Co. (KAI) has announced the signing of a second major contract with the Office of the South Korean Defense Procurement Program (DAPA) for the production of 20 additional KF-21 Boramae fighters of its own production. The value of the agreement is about 2.39 trillion won (1.76 billion US dollars).

The main details of the contract

- The contract includes not only aircraft production, but also logistical support — technical manuals and training programs for pilots and technicians.

- Delivery of the first 20 fighters under the first contract is scheduled for the second half of 2026.

- According to the plan, a total of 40 KF-21 aircraft will be delivered by 2028.

- The overall goal is to produce 120 KF-21 fighters by 2032.

The KF-21 is a 4.5 generation multi—role fighter developed by South Korea in collaboration with Indonesia. The aircraft is designed to replace the outdated F-4, F-5, KF-16 and F-15K models in the South Korean Air Force. It is equipped with two General Electric F414 engines, is capable of speeds up to Mach 1.8 and carries a wide range of weapons, including guided missiles and bombs.

The KF-21 program symbolizes the significant progress of the South Korean aerospace industry and the country's desire for technological independence in the field of defense. The fighter combines modern avionics, sensors and multi-purpose capabilities, while remaining more affordable than its fifth-generation counterparts.

The KF-21 has already attracted interest from several countries, including Poland, Peru, and the United Arab Emirates, which view it as an alternative to more expensive Western fifth-generation fighters.

Hanwha Systems and Northrop Grumman sign memorandum of cooperation on integrated air defense and missile defense systems

Hanwha Systems (CEO Song Jae-il) has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Northrop Grumman, a leading American defense contractor, in early 2025. The agreement is aimed at cooperation in the field of integrated air and missile defense (IAMD) technologies.

Main areas of cooperation:

- Development and exchange of technologies for integrated management and control of air defense systems.

- Research of new business opportunities in the South Korean market.

- Joint work on innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of defense systems.

This partnership opens up prospects for strengthening the defense potential of both companies and expanding their influence in the field of modern air defense and missile defense systems.

South Korea turns off anti-North Korean loudspeakers as part of easing tensions

The South Korean military decided to turn off the loudspeakers that broadcast anti-North Korean propaganda along the demilitarized zone on the inter-Korean border. The move was the first concrete action by the new liberal government aimed at reducing tensions between the two war-torn countries.

Loudspeakers have been used for many years to transmit messages aimed at criticizing North Korea and supporting the South Korean position. However, the new administration believes that such methods only exacerbate the conflict and hinder dialogue.

Turning off the speakers symbolizes Seoul's desire to improve relations with Pyongyang and create conditions for the resumption of negotiations and cooperation. This step also received the support of the international community, which welcomes the efforts for a peaceful settlement on the Korean peninsula.

Nevertheless, the decision caused mixed reactions within South Korea, where part of the population is concerned about a possible weakening of the country's position in relations with the North. The authorities emphasize that the mitigation policy will be accompanied by careful monitoring of the situation and maintaining readiness for any challenges.