South Korea continues to bolster its aerial reconnaissance capabilities with a new Medium-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV) modeled after America’s MQ-9 Reaper drone.
The drone measures 13 meters (43 feet) in length with a 26-meter (85-foot) wingspan, and is powered by a single 1,200-horsepower turboprop engine.
Imagery suggests a prominent belly radome, likely housing a synthetic aperture radar alongside datalink and beyond-line-of-sight communication systems.
South Korea’s new medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle in flight – South Korea Ministry of Defence
It can operate at altitudes above 10 kilometers (33,000 feet) and cruise at around 190 knots (220 miles/350 kilometers) per hour.
The platform supports extended operations and is engineered for autonomous flight, covering all stages from takeoff to execution and landing.
“The Air Force will take today’s MUAV rollout as an opportunity to lead the development of future battlefield unmanned combat systems,”
said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Son Seok-rak.
“I sincerely thank the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), Korean Air, and all related personnel who dedicated themselves day and night to the MUAV development.”
Scaling to Deployment
The drone was developed jointly by DAPA, the Agency for Defense Development, Korean Air, LIG Defense & Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and other partners.
A DAPA representative is giving a speech during the launch of the MUAV Photo – DAPA
Backed by a 980 billion-won ($735 million) program approved in 2023, the MUAV is now moving through mass production, with full-rate production scheduled to run through 2028.
System integration and test flights with military units are scheduled for July, ahead of official delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force in early 2027.
Once operational, the MUAV is expected to enhance South Korea’s self-reliant defence posture while strengthening its position in the global aerospace market.
Source: NextGenDefense