Recon, suicide drones spot targets, strike in Army's future warfare drill

In a simulated Army exercise at the Yangpyeong General Training Ground, reconnaissance drones played a pivotal role in identifying enemy positions. The live footage captured by these drones was relayed to a command post, where an artificial intelligence (AI) system suggested the most appropriate weaponry for the upcoming assault.

Upon receiving approval from a battalion commander, a 120-millimeter self-propelled mortar was launched, followed shortly by drones packed with explosives, all targeted toward their designated marks. This sequence showcased the Army's vision for future warfare, emphasizing the seamless integration of soldiers, drones, and robots in combat scenarios.

The demonstration, held on Wednesday, encompassed a wide range of military operations. Reconnaissance drones took the lead, with multiple units functioning simultaneously to provide real-time imagery to the command post. Among them was a drone armed with a rifle, demonstrating its dual capability of both reconnaissance and direct attack.

This was followed by other unmanned systems, which ventured into hazardous zones ahead of human troops to clear minefields, defend against counter-drone threats, and facilitate resupply efforts. The Army TIGER+ integrated combat exercise aimed to provide a comprehensive view of how Korea intends to leverage advanced technology in its military strategy, highlighting the potential of unmanned equipment to significantly enhance operational effectiveness.