According to Seoul’s defense ministry, South Korea intends to spend 560 billion won, or $441,26 million, over the course of the next five years to improve its capability to repel North Korean drones.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by the defense ministry, two days after North Korean drones entered the South for the first time since 2017.
South Korea’s air defenses have come under fire as it tries to stem the North’s growing nuclear and missile threats since Monday’s incident.
The military’s handling of the incursion was criticized by President Yoon Suk-yeol, who urged the military to expedite the reinforcement of the drone units.
The military expressed regret for its response on Tuesday and stated that it was unable to shoot down the drones due to their size.
The government said on Wednesday that the midterm defense plan for 2023–27 includes a plan to add another army drone unit, which currently operates two squadrons.
A jammer to neutralize smaller devices and an airborne laser to destroy drones are also part of the plan.
A ministry official stated, “The laser weapon program is in a testing phase and is expected to begin deployment in 2027.”
“Our ability to respond to small drones would be improved by the “soft-kill” type of jamming system.”
Over the course of the next five years, the ministry intends to spend a total of 331.4 trillion won, or $261 billion, on defense, representing an average annual increase of 6.7 percent. The current year’s spending plan remained at 54.6 trillion won ($43 billion).
Read: What is behind the growing militarisation of South Korea?
More stealth jets
Parliament must approve defense expenditures.
The ministry also stated that it is seeking to acquire additional stealth jets to enhance real-time strike capabilities against moving targets as part of Seoul’s efforts to counter North Korea’s nuclear and missile threats.
Additionally, the ministry stated that it would accelerate the development of systems to intercept artillery rockets and acquire additional ballistic missile submarines.
The ministry added, “We will strengthen our overwhelming massive punishment and retaliation capability to destroy key facilities anywhere in North Korea in the event of its nuclear attack or use of weapons of mass destruction.”
State media in Pyongyang reported on Wednesday that Kim Jong Un had presented new plans to increase his military power next year, indicating that he would continue to display weapons in provocative ways.
Experts believe that North Korea is attempting to modernize its arsenal and increase its leverage in future negotiations with the United States and South Korea by carrying out a record number of missile tests this year.
Read: North Korea promises ‘action’ in response to Japan’s military buildup
Source: TRT World