The first in the world: South Korea shows off artificial intelligence photon radar to detect drones

South Korea's Defence Development Agency has successfully demonstrated a photon radar that uses artificial intelligence to detect small airborne targets such as drones.

Here's What We Know

The unique technology makes it possible to identify airborne objects that are difficult to spot using traditional optical means, such as cameras. The innovation is based on the conversion of laser light into electromagnetic waves, which are directed to the object. The reflected signal is processed by an artificial intelligence system that analyses and confirms the presence of the target, while recognising its type.

ADD claims that targets were detected several kilometres away in an open environment during the demonstration. This, they say, is the world's first successful demonstration of such technology in real-world conditions. Previously, only simulation tests had been conducted in the world without any real application in the field.

The development of the photon radar has been underway since 2022 as part of the Future Challenges programme, which aims to create next-generation technologies for national defence. ADD aims not only to complete technical developments but also to form a full-fledged industrial ecosystem - from research to combat testing.

According to Jeong Sung-tae, director of ADD's Third Research Institute, the demonstration showed that the technology can provide a breakthrough in intelligence and surveillance. He emphasised that ADD intends to continue to improve the photonic radar and introduce innovative solutions to South Korea's defence.

Source: TDP