Korea to develop its own MQ-9 Reaper drone

MQ-9 Reaper, armed with GBU-12 Paveway II laser guided munitions and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. [AP/YONHAP]

The Korean army announced Friday that it would develop its own version of the U.S. combat drone MQ-9 Reaper to enhance defensive surveillance capabilities.

The decision comes a month after North Korea showcased new aerial drones bearing a strong resemblance to the U.S. surveillance drone Global Hawk during a military parade.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) held a Defense Projection Promotion Committee meeting during which it reviewed and approved the mass production of a Medium-Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (MUAV), enhancements to the KSS-II submarine, and progress on the Link-22 project, a Korean joint maritime tactical data link project.

According to DAPA, the Korean drone is designed to collect high-resolution imagery of strategic targets and transmit it in real time.

The drone is expected to measure 13 meters in length and 26 meters in wingspan, powered by a 1,200 horsepower turboprop engine.

Operating at altitudes ranging from 6 to 13 kilometers, the Korean drone will have a 24-hour operational capacity and the capability to capture high-resolution images from up to 100 kilometers away without being detected.

The drone will also possess the ability to be armed, including the option of carrying anti-tank missiles.

The U.S. MQ-9 Reaper is equipped with a 950-horsepower turboprop engine and can operate for up to 14 hours when armed.

According to General Atomics Aeronautical, the MQ-9 Reaper's maximum altitude is 15 kilometers and it has a maximum endurance of 27 hours.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]