(EDITORIAL from Korea JoongAng Daily on Sept. 18)

A recent drone demonstration at Korea's Defense Ministry showcased advanced technology but also highlighted significant shortcomings. On September 18, several drones crashed, causing embarrassment for Korean defense capabilities. The failures occurred during the first Defense Drone Technology Exhibition in Pocheon, Gyeonggi, in front of an audience of over 2,200 people, including officials from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Five out of 12 drones failed to operate properly, leading to sighs and groans among spectators.

The Defense Ministry attributed some of the failures to the typical process of technology development and suggested that interference from the large crowd may have played a role. However, another incident occurred just days earlier on August 25, when two suicide drones tested by the Navy and the Agency for Defense Development crashed shortly after launch. Investigators determined that these failures were due to a simple defect in the launch tube.

These recurring issues within a month raise serious concerns about the reliability of Korea's drone technology. The entire system, including design, components, communications, and testing and evaluation, needs to be thoroughly examined. More concerning is the fact that the Korean military seems to be falling behind as drone warfare becomes increasingly important.

The Drone Operations Command, established under the Yoon Suk Yeol administration to counter North Korean drones violating Korean airspace, was abolished under the current government.

Despite the abolishment, drone warfare remains a crucial aspect of modern military operations. In the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, drones play a central role in reconnaissance, attack, and electronic warfare. Concurrently, North Korea is gaining combat experience through military cooperation with Russia and deploying forces to the war in Ukraine.

Korea's reluctance to dispatch an observer group to observe the situation further underscores its hesitance to learn from Ukraine's combat experience. While it is important not to fear failures during the development phase, officials must not simply attribute them to external factors. A comprehensive investigation is necessary to determine the root causes of these crashes and prevent their recurrence.

Instead of focusing on demonstrations for show, the government and military should prioritize developing drone forces that actually function effectively on the battlefield.

Before branding their drones as K-defense, Korea must ensure that they possess the technological capabilities and reliability expected of such a designation.