North Korean Drones

[Anchor Lead]

North Korean drones are increasingly posing a threat with their expanding operational range. But there is virtually no response system in place in South Korea to detect or shoot down the drones.

[Pkg]

Unmanned aircraft from North Korea have been spotted five times since March 2014. The drones have spied on the presidential office and the THAAD missile defense battery site, but the South Korean military has so far not been able to preemptively detect them and shoot them down.

[Soundbite] Han Min-koo(Defense Minister) : "The latest drone found measures 2 meters in size, the smallest model among North Korean drones. It cannot be detected by South Korea's existing detection equipment."

Three years ago, the military unveiled a plan to introduce a new type of radar from Israel capable of identifying North Korean drones. But the test assessment alone took over a year and roughly ten units of the radar will only make it into Korea late this year. Currently in frontline areas, a stopgap measure is employed in which radar designed to detect objects on the ground is directed upwards toward the sky. However, this is known to be nearly ineffective. A drone-detecting domestic radar is also being developed but it will take 2 to 3 more years before it can be deployed. Another problem is that even if a drone is detected, there's no effective way to shoot it down.

[Soundbite] Han Min-koo(Defense Minister) : "There is a considerable limit to shooting down drones with bullets or shells. Even advanced nations have yet to develop laser or electromagnetic pulse(EMP) options for actual use."

Response measures are urgently needed, as South Korea cannot afford to allow the North's continued drone development.