Republic of Korea to develop marine VTOL drone for KDX-II destroyers - $421m allocated for development

South Korea's KDX-II destroyers (Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin class) will receive vertical take-off and landing drones early next decade. More than $400 million will be earmarked for their development.

Here's What We Know

The VTOL drone development programme was launched in 2021 but has only now received official approval. The Republic of Korea's Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) has confirmed that $421 million will be allocated for the development of the drones.

The final outcome of the project will be a drone capable of taking off and landing vertically. It will provide advanced aerial reconnaissance capabilities through electro-optical and infrared sensors. The drone will be able to operate day and night. The drone should be available by 2031.

DAPA has not yet officially named the company that will develop the drone. However, it is likely that Korean Air will work with Airbus Helicopters on the project.

The Franco-German company signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Korean Air in late 2022. It will involve Airbus Helicopters in the development of a new drone for the Republic of Korea's Navy and Marine Corps.

Airbus itself is currently working on a drone for the French Navy. It is called the VSR-700 (pictured above). The drone looks like Northrop Grumman's MQ-8 Fire Scout helicopter. It too can take off and land vertically. In December 2022, the drone passed the sea trials phase.

Source: Naval News