South Korea aims laser arms at North Korea’s drones

In response to escalating tensions and recent North Korean drone incursions, South Korea announced this month its plans to deploy laser weapons to counter drone infiltrations.

This month, multiple news sources reported that South Korea announced plans to deploy laser weapons to counter North Korean drones as part of a broader strategy to bolster its defense capabilities amid escalating tensions.

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense (MND) confirmed the initiative, emphasizing that a high-tech laser system codenamed “Block-I,” developed by Hanwha Aerospace, will be deployed by the yearend, with more systems to be deployed in the coming years. Block-I can neutralize drones swiftly and invisibly at just USD 1.45 per shot.

The decision follows recent incursions by North Korean drones into South Korean airspace, heightening security concerns. South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup underscored the project’s urgency, noting the cost-effectiveness and precision of laser technology compared to traditional missile defenses.

This move aligns with South Korea’s ongoing efforts to enhance military readiness in the face of persistent provocations from North Korea, which has been ramping up its missile tests and reconnaissance activities.

North Korea’s December 2022 drone infiltration into South Korea caught the latter off-guard, resulting in a disorganized scrambling response.

Joseph Dempsey notes in a January 2023 article for the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) that North Korea’s December 2022 drone incursion into South Korean airspace marks a significant reminder of the challenges in countering small drones. Dempsey mentions that despite South Korea’s five-hour military operation involving combat