Suicide drones are a new type of weapon that combines cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles capable of flying long distances to accurately target ground objectives, altering the dynamics of warfare.
The war in Ukraine significantly highlighted the importance of suicide drones, which had previously been utilized in a limited capacity by various military forces. Following the introduction of the American Switchblade at the onset of the conflict, Ukraine developed suicide drones capable of striking targets as far away as Moscow. Meanwhile, Russia retaliated with airstrikes employing Iranian Shahed suicide drones.
The Harop drone, produced by Israel Aerospace Industries, is launched from a ground-based platform. Courtesy of IAI
Countries globally are taking notice of the development and manufacturing of suicide drones, which are considerably less expensive than cruise missiles and can travel hundreds of kilometers to hit specific targets.
The same is true for South Korea. After a North Korean drone managed to breach the skies over Seoul, the military established the Drone Operations Command last year and is now advancing plans to introduce mid-range suicide drones capable of conducting strategic precision strikes through overseas procurement. These drones are anticipated to be operational as early as 2026.
◆Addressing the Gaps in Missile Capabilities
The South Korean military first encountered suicide drones during the 1990s, importing Harpy drones from Israel toward the end of that decade to eliminate radars stationed by North Korea in frontline areas.
The Harpy, developed by IAI, is a suicide drone that autonomously detects radar waves and detonates itself to neutralize air defense systems. It can remain airborne for up to three hours, ready to attack when it detects radar signals again, giving it a range of up to 500 km.
The significance of suicide drones, which had faded after the advent of the Harpy, regained focus following North Korean drones’ incursion into South Korean airspace in 2022.
Army personnel prepare to launch a drone. Courtesy of the Army
After North Korean drones invaded Seoul’s airspace, President Yoon Seok-yeol instructed the formation of the Drone Operations Command, which began enhancing its operational capabilities last year by equipping it with reconnaissance and small suicide drones.
The deployed suicide drones (LOW-class) in the Drone Operations Command take off and follow a predetermined flight path using a global positioning system (GPS) and an inertial navigation system (INS) to hit ground targets.
However, suicide drones with limited ranges and flight times can only achieve tactical effects. As they follow a set flight path, it is challenging to target moving objects or those that suddenly appear from tunnels or bunkers.
This underscores the necessity for suicide drones capable of extended flight durations.
Recently, North Korea held a ceremony to deliver 250 tactical surface-to-surface missile launchers (TELs) intended for deployment along the Military Demarcation Line, raising concerns for South Korea.
The missile launchers are expected to be utilized from concealed positions, firing missiles before disappearing. While North Korea may have exaggerated this capability to mislead the South Korean military, there is no denying that it poses a more significant threat than existing long-range artillery.
A suicide drone is showcased to the public during the Armed Forces Day parade on September 26, 2023. Photo courtesy of Segye Ilbo
Strategic weapons with mobility and firepower, such as ballistic missiles like the KN-23, TELs, large-caliber multiple rocket launchers, and surface-to-air missiles, present additional threats.
These targets will be engaged as they prepare for deployment in the battlefield or before missile launches by using Army ballistic and cruise missiles along with Air Force long-range air-to-ground missiles.
Nonetheless, it is impossible to neutralize every target beforehand, and some are bound to go undetected. Certain targets may be identified by U.S. and ROK surveillance assets with slight delays and can vanish before engagement.
To address this, a drone like the Harpy is required, capable of sustained flight and striking when a target is detected. Self-destructing drones can help fill the void created by missiles that struggle to engage moving targets.
They can also enhance the operational conditions favorable to the Korean military. During the 2020 Armenia-Azerbaijan War, the Azerbaijani military deployed Israeli-made HAROP suicide drones to target Armenian air defense systems and missiles.
The effectiveness of the Harop, with a flight range of up to 1,000 km and remote control capabilities, is considered one of the key factors contributing to the outstanding performance of the Bayraktar drones, hailed during the conflict, and the Azerbaijani army’s success on the ground.
Harop UAV manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries. Getty Images
If the South Korean military adopts this strategy, North Korea will undoubtedly face increased pressure. Suicide drones represent inexpensive and efficient weapons that can further complicate the nature of warfare. Although nations worldwide are developing defense systems to counter suicide drone assaults, these drones still hold a significant advantage.
Similar to the Ukrainian military, if the North Korean army employs conventional methods such as anti-aircraft guns and surveillance, they may be able to detect and intercept drones. However, diverting troops and resources from the frontlines to intercept drones would pose a significant burden to the North Korean military.
In this regard, it has been reported that the Drone Operations Command has been planning to introduce advanced suicide drones with superior performance compared to existing models since its inception. This initiative will pave the way for the development of mid-range suicide drones.
The decision to introduce medium-range suicide drones was made as an urgent requirement at the Joint Chiefs of Staff meeting in August of last year, and preliminary research continued until April of this year. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration intends to proceed with deploying these drones in 2026 after drafting a request for proposals, issuing a bid notice, and conducting evaluations and tests.
Rather than focusing on mass-producing drones capable of flying hundreds of kilometers and striking fixed targets at minimal costs, similar to those employed by the Ukrainian military, the emphasis will likely be on improving performance.
Specifically, capabilities such as GPS jamming, remote control technology, and optical and infrared imaging sensors are anticipated to be integrated to counter North Korea’s electronic warfare tactics. This enhancement is expected to enable precise strikes on mobile targets like ballistic missile TELs and large caliber rocket launchers.
Skystripper suicide drone produced by Elbit of Israel. Elbit Systems
◆Various Suicide Drones Developed Abroad
Unlike South Korea, which lags behind Turkey regarding the military application of drones, various suicide drones capable of traveling hundreds of kilometers have been developed and are operational abroad.
Israel, a pioneer in the development and use of unmanned aerial vehicles, boasts a range of suicide drones.
Elbit Systems has created the SkyStriker suicide drone, which features a 5-10kg warhead integrated into its fuselage, designed to locate and strike targets designated by operators.
This drone can travel 20 km in less than 10 minutes while minimizing noise and heat emissions thanks to electric propulsion. It can maintain its flight for up to 2 hours with a 5 kg warhead and up to 1 hour with a 10 kg warhead, covering distances exceeding 100 km.
The Harop, developed by IAI, has a maximum operational range of 1,000 km. It includes a self-destruction feature and can adapt to various tactical contexts. The mid-course guidance and hovering capabilities are automated, while target detection and engagement are remotely controlled from a ground station with optical and infrared sensors.
The HERO series devised by Yubijeon includes variations with different performance levels based on their intended use. Notably, the HERO-1250 carries a 30kg warhead and can fly over 200 km. Besides targeting strategic objectives, it is also designed to bypass and assault frontline defense systems.
Army soldiers operating a drone. Courtesy of the Army
This drone is capable of conducting intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions during its flight and is also designed to neutralize enemy air defense systems. Its operational flexibility has been praised.
The ALTIUS-700M from Anduril, USA, carries a 15 kg warhead and is capable of destroying tanks. It has a range exceeding 100 km and can remain airborne for more than an hour.
There is also the Azab suicide drone, produced by Turkey’s Robit Technology. According to the manufacturer, the Azab is constructed to evade air defense systems and neutralize targets.
The Azab is available in T150 and T200 variants. The producer claims the T200 has a range of 500 km and can carry a 15 kg warhead, with a jamming system and a low radar cross-section.
Recently, the barriers to developing suicide drones have diminished as data links and unmanned technology have evolved. Not only developed nations, but also emerging countries have started unveiling suicide drones that deliver considerable performance.
Suicide drones, similar to cruise missiles and boasting high destructive capabilities while being cost-effective, are regarded as weapons poised to alter the battlefield landscape.
In particular, suicide drones that can hover for extended periods and strike precisely when a target is located can prove effective in intercepting North Korean ballistic missiles and surface-to-air missiles, which utilize advanced concealment tactics to avoid detection and rapidly relocate. This is why it is crucial to expedite the acquisition of superior drones in light of the lessons learned from the Ukraine War.
Reporter Park Soo-chan psc@segye.com
[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
Suicide Drones: The Future of Warfare
Suicide drones, a groundbreaking combination of cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), are revolutionizing the battlefield. Capable of flying long distances to strike ground targets with incredible precision, these versatile weapons are changing the dynamics of modern warfare.
Rise of Suicide Drones in Modern Conflicts
During the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the strategic use of suicide drones has surged. Initially introduced into military operations in a limited capacity, these drones gained significant attention following the deployment of the American Switchblade at the war’s onset. As a result, Ukraine developed its own suicide drones capable of striking deep into Russian territory, even targeting Moscow. Meanwhile, Russia has also utilized Iranian Shahed suicide drones in its airstrike campaigns.
The Global Interest in Suicide Drones
Countries around the world are recognizing the immense potential of suicide drones, which are often more affordable than traditional cruise missiles, yet possess the capability to cover extensive ranges, hitting targets hundreds of kilometers away. This development transcends borders; nations like South Korea are reacting promptly.
After a notable incident where a North Korean drone infiltrated Seoul’s airspace, South Korea formed the Drone Operations Command in 2022. This military branch is prioritizing the introduction of mid-range suicide drones that can execute strategic precision strikes, anticipating deployment as early as 2026.
Historical Context of Suicide Drones
The South Korean military’s history with suicide drones dates back to the 1990s, when they imported Harpy drones from Israel to counter North Korean radar systems. The Harpy drone, designed to neutralize air defense networks, leverages radar waves for targeting. Its operational range extends up to 500 km, and it can autonomously hover in the air, remaining on standby for hours before engaging a target.
The relevance of suicide drones was revitalized after a series of drone violations by North Korea in 2022. Recognizing the threat, President Yoon Seok-yeol instigated efforts to enhance military drone capabilities, incorporating reconnaissance and small suicide drones into the operational framework.
The Tactical Advantages of Suicide Drones
The LOW-class suicide drones deployed by South Korea’s newly established command utilize Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) technologies to navigate pre-planned paths to ground targets. However, these short-range drones exhibit limitations in tactical effectiveness, particularly against moving targets or those concealed in complex environments like tunnels or bunkers.
Meeting Emerging Threats
North Korea’s recent expansion of its missile program, specifically the delivery of 250 tactical surface-to-surface missile launchers, intensifies the strategic landscape threatening South Korea. These launchers are engineered to operate covertly, firing missiles and retreating into hidden positions. This trend indicates that reliance on traditional long-range artillery no longer suffices, necessitating advanced countermeasures.
Operational Implications of Suicide Drones
The rising complexity of threats from North Korea’s mobile missile systems, including the KN-23 and other advanced artillery, necessitates an agile response framework. The South Korean military’s strategy involves rapidly identifying and neutralizing these threats using modern military capabilities, including ballistic and cruise missiles paired with airpower. However, the challenge remains significant, as some targets evade real-time detection.
In this regard, long-endurance suicide drones like the Harpy present an optimal solution. These drones can remain airborne for extended periods, rapidly responding to emerging threats as they arise, thus augmenting South Korea’s defensive capabilities.
Lessons from Global Military Conflicts
The operational success witnessed in the 2020 Armenia-Azerbaijan War underscores the transformative capabilities of suicide drones like the HAROP, which played a pivotal role in neutralizing enemy air defenses. The effectiveness of these drones in contemporary warfare provides valuable insight into their future deployment strategies.
Forward-Thinking Strategies for South Korea
If South Korea were to employ advanced suicide drone capabilities, it could considerably bolster its deterrence strategy against North Korea. The cost-effectiveness and operational flexibility of suicide drones present significant advantages over conventional military assets. Additionally, as various nations ramp up their defenses against these new threats, the strategic edge could tilt in favor of those who innovate effectively. Investing in sophisticated drone technologies will be crucial in maintaining military superiority.
Anticipated Developments in Suicide Drone Technology
Plans for the introduction of mid-range suicide drones have commenced following a critical meeting in August 2022. The proto-research initiated continues to influence procurement strategies through to 2026. Expectations are set for evolving characteristics in these drones that will include enhanced GPS jamming capabilities, remote control technology, and sophisticated imaging sensors. These advancements aim to effectively counteract North Korean electronic warfare tactics and enhance the precision targeting of mobile missile systems.
Global Landscape of Suicide Drones
South Korea’s developments occur against a backdrop of rapid advancements in suicide drone technology globally. Nations like Israel and Turkey have developed a diverse array of suicide drones, demonstrating high endurance and effectiveness in various military scenarios.
Notable International Suicide Drones
| Drone Name | Origin | Key Features | Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkyStriker | Israel | Electric propulsion, low noise | Over 100 km |
| HAROP | Israel | Self-destruct function | Up to 1,000 km |
| HERO-1250 | Israel | 30 kg warhead, air defense neutralization | Over 200 km |
| ALTIUS-700M | USA | 15 kg warhead, tank destruction capability | Over 100 km |
| Azab | Turkey | Low radar cross-section | Up to 500 km |
As technological advancements continue to democratize access to drone technology, suicide drones have emerged as a formidable force on the battlefield. Their cost-effectiveness coupled with the high damage potential positions them as a game-changer in international military strategy.
Equipped with enhanced capabilities for detecting and neutralizing advanced threats, it is critical for military planners to prioritize the development and deployment of next-generation suicide drones. Learning from global conflict dynamics, countries aiming for military resilience must continually adapt their strategies to leverage the advantages these technological advancements provide.
Reporter Park Soo-chan psc@segye.com
[ⓒ 세계일보 & Segye.com, 무단전재 및 재배포 금지]
