South Korea Struggles to Defend Against North Korean Drone Swarm Attacks

South Korea faces a growing threat from North Korean drones that could overwhelm its current defense systems. Military experts warn that cheap drones are changing warfare faster than defenses can adapt.

North Korea is studying drone tactics from the Russia-Ukraine war and Middle East conflicts. These include swarm attacks where dozens of small drones attack at once, and kamikaze-style operations where drones carry explosives to their targets.

The problem is cost: South Korea's missile defense systems fire expensive interceptors at cheap drones. A single interceptor missile can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, while attack drones might cost just a few thousand.

"The rules of warfare are being rewritten," said defense analyst Yu, highlighting how the gap between low-cost drones and expensive defenses creates new military challenges.

North Korea could use drones for intelligence gathering, targeting assistance, and coordinated attacks. Even basic exposure to drone technology could help North Korea's military adapt quickly to modern warfare techniques.