South Korea’s military is moving forward with plans to acquire cardboard drones as part of a broader effort to enhance its drone capabilities in response to threats from North Korea, the Ministry of National Defense announced on Tuesday.
The ministry aims to finalize a contract for around 100 cardboard drones by the end of this year, with a deployment timeline set for the first half of 2025. These drones are intended for reconnaissance missions, with the potential for future adaptation as suicide drones.
“Our ministry and relevant organizations are taking various measures to strengthen our drone capacity. It is an undeniable fact that drones have become game changers in modern warfare, so our military is intensifying efforts in this area,” said ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-kyou during a press briefing. Jeon did not provide further specifics on the type of drones being considered.
Cardboard drones are built mainly from low-cost, biodegradable materials like cardboard, making them considerably more cost-effective than traditional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Their effectiveness has been notably demonstrated during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where such drones have inflicted damage on multiple Russian targets, according to media reports.
The South Korean government has been steadily enhancing its drone capabilities. In October, it announced plans to purchase Warmate drones developed by the Polish defense firm WB Electronics, citing their demonstrated effectiveness in the Ukrainian conflict.
The move to procure cardboard drones comes as reports indicate North Korea may also have access to similar technology. During a Defense Development Exhibition in Pyongyang last month, North Korea displayed a new drone design resembling cardboard drones. Analysts noted that one of the showcased drones, which had wings and a fuselage held together by rubber bands, bore similarities to a cardboard-based suicide drone.
As South Korea looks to improve its drone capabilities, the adoption of these inexpensive, versatile drones underscores the changing nature of aerial warfare. While the technology may seem simple, its potential impact on the evolving balance of power in the region is not lost on defense officials.