The South Korea reaches a milestone in air defense by becoming the first country to use laser weapons against drones. This technological feat, announced by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)responds to increasingly strong tensions with North Korea, where drone incursions are a real headache. The project, nicknamed “StarWars”, aims to better protect South Korean territory in the face of the challenges posed by its northern neighbor.
Why is this system revolutionary?
The “StarWars” laser system was designed by Hanwha Aerospacea branch of Hanwha Group. Created in 1977 under the name Samsung Precision, this company located in Changwon is a heavyweight in the South Korean aerospace industry. The technical details of the system are astonishing: it can destroy enemy drones by precisely targeting their motors or electrical equipment. In only 10 to 20 secondsa beam of light can neutralize a drone for a tiny cost of around 1,45 dollar leave.
Lasers are distinguished by their silent and formidable efficiency, offering a discreet but powerful response to aerial threats. This technology could well be a game changer in modern military strategies to combat drones.
Who else is interested in laser weapons?
The South Korean initiative does not go unnoticed on the international scene. According to the think tank The Rand Corporationthe craze for laser weapon systems is growing all over the world. Countries like UNITED STATESthe United Kingdomthe Japan et Israel are also about to launch their own versions.
In Israel, for example, the development of the “Iron Beam” laser system is indicative of this growing interest. In April 2022, the Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that the “Iron Beam” had successfully completed its first tests, destroying drones, rockets and even anti-tank missiles. Although its launch was planned for 2024, the Israeli army is seeking to accelerate its entry into service. In December 2022, a partnership between Lockheed Martin and Rafael was signed to push this promising technology even further.
Tensions still high between the two Koreas
Relations between North and South Korea have never been simple. Last December, five North Korean drones violated South Korean airspace, forcing Seoul to react quickly by sending fighter planes and helicopters to try to shoot them down. This was the first intrusion since 2017 and made it clear that a rapid response was needed.
-As a historical reminder, the Korean War (1950-1953) ended with an armistice without a real peace treaty, leaving a demilitarized zone between the two nations. Recently, the United States claimed that both North and South Korea had violated this armistice by sending drones into the opposing airspace.
A new page for global security?
Seoul’s decision to adopt these anti-drone laser weapons reflects not only a pressing strategic need but also a desire to innovate in the face of contemporary challenges. As DAPA noted: “Our country becomes the first in the world to deploy and operate laser weapons, thereby strengthening our military capacity in the face of North Korean provocations. »
This advancement could encourage other nations to follow suit to secure their airspace against these new threats emerging in our connected world. The proliferation of unmanned systems requires constant adaptation of defenses to guarantee international peace and security.
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