S.Korea Launches Counter-Drone Hard Kill Project

South Korean arms procurement agency Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has chosen the Counter-Drone Hard Kill Proximity Protection System as the focus of its rapid demonstration project.

The move aims to accelerate the use of civilian technologies in the military to counter growing hostile drones.

The decision, announced on September 8, by DAPA Administrator Seok Jong-geon, marks the start of the ‘25-2 Rapid Demonstration Project,’ a program designed to research and build prototypes within two years and assess their combat usability.

“This rapid demonstration project will lay the foundation for our military to respond more quickly and effectively to enemy drone threats,” said Jeong Gyu-heon, head of the Future Power Business Division at DAPA. “To foster a scientifically and technologically strong military capable of winning future wars, we will continue to rapidly apply advanced technologies accumulated in the private sector to the military through rapid demonstration projects.”

The anti-drone system will rely on its own detection radar to identify medium-sized suicide drones approaching critical facilities. It will then deploy interceptor drones equipped with infrared seekers to destroy the hostile drones at close range. If the first interception fails, moreinterceptor drones will engage until the threat is neutralized. Electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) systems will verify the success of each interception.

The anti-drone system is being developed with a focus on cost-effectiveness and protection against mass-produced suicide drones, including those deployed by North Korea.

The plan calls for a bidding process in October, with a project team to be selected soon after. R&D of prototypes is expected to last 2 years, followed by performance verification. The system could potentially be deployed to the military in 2028.