Suicide drone falls into sea after launch due to minor defect: officials

SEOUL, August 28 (Yonhap) -- During combat trials this week, a suicide drone unexpectedly crashed into the ocean shortly after being launched, according to officials. The unmanned aerial vehicle, being developed by the military, was intended to attack a vessel in waters near Busan, South Korea's southern port city, on Tuesday. However, the drone veered off course and plunged into the sea just seconds after takeoff due to a flaw in its launch tube.

The misalignment, specifically in the left door of the lower section of the tube, caused an imbalance in the repulsive force, leading the drone to lose balance and tip over completely before sinking. The drone and its system functioned normally, an official from the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) stated. The agency suspects the error occurred during assembly or transportation of the launcher, and is currently investigating the specific cause.

This marks the first instance of such an issue during the test run of the suicide drone, officials noted, pointing out that the same launch tube has been used multiple times before. The ADD has no intention to carry out further maritime tests of the loitering munition, as it has already established the necessary core technology for drone operation.

The drone, measuring 3 meters in wingspan, is designed to carry out reconnaissance, surveillance, and strike missions while remaining airborne for more than 10 hours.